SC Forestry Commission issues statewide Red Flag Fire Alert

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide ‘Red Flag Fire Alert,’ effective immediately until further notice.

Officials say the alert is being issued to “strongly discourage” people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated wildfire risk.

They say it also helps by reducing the strain on local fire departments and other first responders who need to remain available for other emergencies.

Land managers conducting prescribed fires are encouraged to use extra care if they choose to burn under a Red Flag.

“The combination of wind, low relative humidity and dry fuels is very favorable for wildfire ignitions, so we ask that people who don’t have to burn to hold off until these conditions subside,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “The dramatic uptick in wildfires across the state over the last two months were in large part the result of exactly these typical springtime weather patterns.”

Firefighters in South Carolina responded to 280 wildfires in February, which forestry officials said is above the five-year average for the second month of the year. More than 270 wildfires have already been recorded in March.

“Historically, wildfire occurrence in South Carolina is greater in March than in any other month,” officials said.

While the Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, local or county ordinances may be enacted to restrict outdoor fires. Residents should contact their local fire department to see if any restrictions are in place.

The commission will reevaluate conditions on Sunday.