31-03-2025
Why was burn ban lifted in 41 SC counties but not in the Upstate? Forestry Commission explains
The State Forester's Burning Ban for 41 South Carolina counties has been lifted as of 6 a.m. Monday, March 31.
Only five counties remain under the ban, including Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg.
Data from the South Carolina Forestry Commission shows the Table Rock Complex Fire has grown over 12,000 acres, making it the largest mountain wildfire in the state's history. The fire is also 30% contained, with the Persimmon Ridge Fire 64% contained.
Residents may be wondering why the burn ban has been lifted in other counties as the wildfires continue to blaze. Here's what we know.
A burning ban is an emergency measure where outdoor burning is legally prohibited. It is only declared when outdoor burning is considered a significant threat to public safety, according to the Forestry Commission.
There are two types of burning bans under S.C. state law:
∎ State Forester's Burning Ban: Declared by the director of the Forestry Commission and prohibits starting any fire in or adjacent to "woodlands, brush lands, grasslands, ditch banks, or hedgerows" (SC Code 48-35-50). This includes all types of outdoor burning.
∎ Governor's Burn Ban: Less restrictive, making allowance of certain agricultural burning (SC Code 48-31-30).
The Forestry Commission has decided to lift the burn ban in 41 counties because the "dangerous combination of low relative humidities and gusty winds that prompted the March 21 outdoor burning prohibition has improved and is expected to ease significantly across the state over the next week."
In the media advisory, Fire Chief Darryl Jones also said "Burning bans are not intended to be extended, much less permanent, solutions to wildfires. 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."
Above average fire danger and activity is expected throughout April, when S.C. has historically experienced the most damaging and costly wildfires. Residents who burn outdoors and allow their fires to escape are warned they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
The burn ban is being held in place in these five counties so the Forestry Commission and fire department personnel/equipment can remain dedicated to the Table Rock Complex fires in Greenville and Pickens counties, which have grown to a combined 13,000 acres. Horry County's ban remains in effect while Forestry Commission resources continue to focus their efforts on mop-up and strengthening firebreaks around the Myrtle Beach-Covington Drive Fire, which is 85% contained.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg counties still under burn ban
