The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately and remaining in place until further notice. The alert is intended to discourage outdoor burning due to increased wildfire risks caused by dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds forecasted across much of the state.
While the alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, the SCFC strongly urges residents to postpone any such activities until conditions improve. Land managers considering prescribed burns are also advised to take extra precautions.
“The dangerous conditions we’re going to see over the next few days make a good portion of the state vulnerable to fires that can spread rapidly and be difficult to control,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “These kinds of spring weather patterns are what make this time of year the traditional peak of our wildfire season.”
The risk is especially concerning given recent wildfire activity. In January alone, SCFC firefighters responded to 183 wildfires—nearly double the state’s five-year average for that month. February has already seen more than 300 wildfires, and historically, March records the highest wildfire occurrence in the state.
Although small portions of South Carolina have seen limited rainfall, critical areas remain dangerously dry. Combined with high winds and low humidity, the risk of fire ignition and rapid spread remains significant.
While a Red Flag Fire Alert does not automatically ban outdoor burning, it does trigger certain county and local ordinances restricting fires. Residents should contact their local fire departments to determine if additional restrictions apply in their areas.
The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the Forestry Commission, whose fire managers will continue to monitor conditions closely.
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