COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Forestry Commission has enacted a statewide burn ban effective March 21, 2025, due to alarming weather conditions that significantly increase the risk of wildfires. With the ban in full effect from 6 p.m. that day, residents are prohibited from all forms of outdoor burning, including yard debris, campfires, and other recreational fires, particularly in unincorporated regions of the state.
Weather forecasts show persistent high winds and drought conditions that are expected to last through the weekend. The National Weather Service first alerted the public with a Red Flag Warning on March 20, 2025, indicating critical fire weather conditions were occurring.
“The combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity is a recipe for wildfires igniting easily and spreading rapidly,” stated SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. Low humidity levels, dropping below 30% in many areas, compound the danger, prompting state officials to take these precautionary measures to safeguard residents.
The ban follows a spike in wildfire occurrences across South Carolina, which has already seen 280 wildfires in February and 277 in March, exceeding the five-year average for those months. This uptick is attributed to typical springtime weather patterns, according to Jones.
“Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of wildfires in South Carolina. They account for more wildfire ignitions than all other causes combined,” Jones noted, emphasizing that adherence to the burn ban is crucial for public safety.
In a separate incident, a wildfire has broken out at Table Rock State Park in Pickens County. On March 21, at approximately 5:45 p.m., deputies responded to a fire near the park that trapped them and multiple hikers temporarily. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported thanks to the swift response from emergency personnel, including the SC Forestry Commission and various fire departments.
As of March 22, the fire in Table Rock State Park has burned approximately 10 acres but is contained to the top of the mountain. Fire crews were able to make water drops to assist in suppression efforts, and 40 personnel were deployed to manage the situation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with four teenagers being questioned for negligence.
The presence of the wildfire at Table Rock is compounded by the existing statewide burn ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning. As a precaution, all trails in the park have been closed to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting operations. Residents in nearby areas have been warned to expect increased smoke conditions due to the ongoing fire activity.
Overall, the South Carolina Forestry Commission will continue to monitor conditions and lift the burning ban when it is deemed safe. They plan to reassess the situation on March 23, but citizens are reminded to stay vigilant, particularly with the potential for dry and windy weather persisting into the week.
In conclusion, as wildfires threaten both personal homes and natural landscapes in South Carolina, adherence to the statewide burn ban is critical. The context of rising wildfire incidents underlines the urgency for responsible behavior regarding fire safety in the state.
