02-04-2025
Horry County, state officials lift burn bans but urge continued caution with outdoor fires
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Outdoor burning is once again allowed in Horry County and across South Carolina after local and state authorities lifted a ban that had been in place in some areas for more than a month because of a threat of wildfires.
Horry County officials and the South Carolina Forest Commission lifted the ban at noon on Wednesday while reminding residents that they still must follow local and state burning laws.
'Even when the burn ban is not in place, we ask for consideration and due diligence when actively involved in open burning,' the county said. 'Always remember to lean on the side of safety, and do not burn in windy or dry conditions.'
Horry County's ban was initiated in late March before the start of the Covington Drive Wildfire in Carolina Forest, which has continued to smolder. The Forestry Commission lifted its statewide ban on Monday but kept it in place in Horry and five other counties until Wednesday's announcement that outdoor burning could resume.
County officials said that even though open burning is legal again, people still must contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 800-986-5404 before starting to burn. The county has more information about rules and regulations on its website.
The Forestry Commission initiated the statewide ban on March 21 because of dangerously low relative humidity and gusty winds. Improved weather conditions led to the ban being lifted.
'Tremendous progress has been made on containing the two wildfires making up the Table Rock Complex in Greenville and Pickens counties, which will allow the release of resources to return to their home units for response to new wildfire ignitions,' the Forestry Commission said on Wednesday. 'The Table Rock Complex and the Covington Drive Fire continue to be monitored using local resources.
Officials also warned that conditions could change.
'Underlying conditions still warrant the need to be extremely vigilant when burning outdoors, as above-average fire danger and activity is expected through April, which has historically seen the worst, most damaging and costly wildfires in South Carolina,' the Foresty Commission said. 'Anyone who burns outdoors and allows their fire to escape will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.'
In Horry County, authorities have charged Alexandra Bialousow, 40, in connection with the Covington Drive fire. State officials allege that she failed to use proper precautions to prevent a March 1 debris burn in her backyard from escaping. The fire eventually covered 2,059 acres.
Four teens were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly starting a wildfire at Table Rock State Park on March 21. The fire began while Pickens County deputies were searching for Stephanie Womacks, a hiker who was last seen on March 3.
The fires across the state also prompted a Myrtle Beach lawmaker to lead for sticker penalties for those who violate public burning rules and regulations.
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Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
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