Illegal burn sparks large brush fire in Huger; fire contained

HUGER, S.C. (WCBD) – An illegal burn is believed to have sparked a Saturday afternoon brush fire in the Huger community.

The Cainhoy Fire Department responded to Saint Irving Drive in Huger for “wildland fire” around 2 p.m.

Once there, firefighters found a large brush fire that was exposed to several residences. Additional crews and forestry officials were called in to assist.

“Crews from Cainhoy and mutual aid departments worked to protect five homes and contain the fire,” the agency said. “All homes were protected and received no damage. Upon the arrival of the forestry plow, a containment line was secured and the fire was placed under control. Approximately twenty acres of land were burned. All units cleared the scene at 4:13 p.m.”

Fire officials said the cause was determined to be an illegal burn that spread into the adjacent woods and quickly grew out of control. 

The individual responsible for the fire was fined by SC Forestry, who issued a statewide outdoor burn ban Friday evening due to an increased wildfire risk.

“This serves as a reminder of the importance of the current statewide burn ban. With the current weather conditions, fires will spread fast and quickly burn out of control. Please obey this burn ban until conditions improve and the ban is lifted,” fire officials said.