The South Carolina Forestry Commission officially lifted the statewide burning ban on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 7 a.m.
The ban, which was enacted on March 27, was prompted by dangerously low relative humidity and gusty winds. While those specific weather patterns have subsided, forestry officials emphasize that elevated drought conditions persist across much of the state. Although a higher chance of rain is forecast for later this week, the precipitation is not expected to be significant enough to improve the current drought status.
Continued Fire Risk and Legal Responsibility
The Forestry Commission warns that above-average fire danger remains a concern through the month of April. Historically, April is the period when South Carolina experiences its most damaging and expensive wildfires.
State officials noted that lifting the ban does not signify that the risk has vanished. Because much of the state remains dry, fires can still ignite easily or reignite from recent burns that were not fully extinguished. Under state law, any individual who conducts an outdoor burn and allows it to escape will be held legally accountable for any resulting damage.
Notification Requirements for Outdoor Burning
Despite the lifting of the ban, residents are still legally required to notify the Forestry Commission before starting certain types of fires:
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Residential Yard Debris: Citizens in unincorporated areas must notify the commission before burning leaves, limbs, or branches. Those living within city or town limits must continue to follow local municipal ordinances.
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Prescribed Burning: Notification is mandatory for burning related to forestry, agriculture, or wildlife management. These burns must also comply with the South Carolina Smoke Management Guidelines.
Residents can provide notification through the Forestry Commission’s website or by calling the toll-free number designated for their specific county. Forestry officials urge everyone to remain extremely vigilant and take all necessary safety precautions if they choose to burn outdoors this spring.
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