SC Forestry Commission Maintains Restrictions for Central and Southern Regions Amid Lingering Drought Conditions
COLUMBIA, SC — Residents in the South Carolina Upstate will soon be able to clear yard debris as the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) prepares to lift the burning ban for 12 counties.
Starting at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, the State Forester’s Burning Ban will no longer apply to the following counties in the Piedmont region:
Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee and Pickens, Spartanburg, Union, and York
The decision comes after a much-needed inch of rainfall moved through the northwestern part of the state, moderating the high-risk weather conditions that prompted a statewide ban 12 days ago.
While the Upstate sees relief, Fire Chief Darryl Jones warns that the rest of the state isn’t out of the woods yet. Central, eastern, and southern counties remain under a strict burning ban as dry, volatile conditions persist.
“Even without high winds and low relative humidity, the dry weather and drought conditions are expected to remain until we get extended soaking rain,” Jones said.
Even in the 12 counties where the ban is being lifted, residents must follow state law before striking a match:
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Residential Yard Debris: If you live in an unincorporated area, you are required to notify the Forestry Commission before burning leaves, limbs, or branches. Notifications can be made online at scfc.gov/notify. Residents within city limits must continue to follow local municipal ordinances.
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Prescribed Burns: For agricultural, wildlife, or forestry purposes, notification is mandatory regardless of the county. You must call 800.777.3473 and ensure all burning complies with SC Smoke Management Guidelines.
The Forestry Commission continues to monitor weather patterns closely as they work to protect nearly 13 million acres of South Carolina land from wildfire threats.
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