Statewide Burn Ban Issued in South Carolina Due to Extreme Fire Risk
The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) has announced a State Forester's Burn Ban effective from 7 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, until further notice. This ban prohibits the burning of yard debris, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of South Carolina. The decision is driven by a combination of rapidly worsening drought conditions, decreasing humidity, and high winds associated with an approaching cold front, which have collectively elevated the wildfire risk to extreme levels. Fires used for cooking or those contained within compliant outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and permanent fire pits are exempt from the ban.