SC Forestry lifts burning ban for 41 counties due to improved conditions

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – A statewide burn ban will be lifted Monday morning for multiple South Carolina counties.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission said the outdoor burning ban put into place March 21 has been lifted for 41 counties as of 6 a.m.

Officials said the dangerous combination of low relative humidities and gusty winds that prompted the initial ban has improved and is expected to ease significantly across the state over the next week.

Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties will remain under the burning ban until further notice.

“Burning bans are not intended to be extended, much less permanent, solutions to wildfires,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “Prescribed burns in particular are necessary tools for forestry and agriculture, but we can’t emphasize enough the importance of using fire prudently and respecting the weather.”

Officials added that there are underlying conditions which still warrant the need to be extremely vigilant when burning outdoors, as above-average fire danger and activity is expected through April.

SC Forestry officials warned that anyone who burns outdoors and allows their fire(s) to

escape will be “held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”