Statewide burning ban continues in South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCDB) – The statewide burning ban issued Saturday by the South Carolina Forestry Commission is still in effect for all counties.

The SC Forestry’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

Officials say failure to comply could result in a fine, and/or jail time.

Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday due to wildfires burning across the state.

“This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need,” said McMaster in a news release. “Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice. Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”

Firefighters across the Carolinas are continuing to battle multiple brush and wildfires amid dry, windy conditions that forced some residents to temporarily evacuate.

Conditions are expected to improve over the next few days, but local agencies are preparing for the possibility of new fires.

One recent incident occurred Monday afternoon on Wass Lane in Moncks Corner, where officials reported that the blaze was quickly contained.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department has positioned its brush fire units at the Carolina Park and Dunes West stations and increased staffing.

A map of active wildfires in South Carolina can be found on the forestry commission’s website.