All outdoor burning prohibited starting 7 a.m. Friday as drought and high winds create “precarious” wildfire conditions across South Carolina.
COLUMBIA, SC — The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued an immediate State Forester’s Burning Ban for all 46 counties, effective at 7:00 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026.
The mandatory order prohibits all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas, including yard debris, campfires, and bonfires. Officials cite a “dangerous mix” of escalating drought, plummeting humidity, and incoming wind gusts that could cause wildfires to ignite easily and spread beyond the control of firefighters.
“We’re just as likely, if not more, to see wildfires that are fuel-driven rather than wind-driven,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones, describing the current environment as an “especially precarious situation.”
The ban strictly forbids the following in unincorporated areas: Yard debris burning (leaves, branches, etc.), prescribed forestry or agricultural burns and recreational fires, including campfires and bonfire
Fires used for food preparation (grills) and those contained within approved noncombustible enclosures, such as chimineas or stone fire pits are still permitted. However, the Commission urges “the utmost caution” and advises citizens to avoid parking on dry grass or using equipment that creates sparks.
The ban remains in effect until an official announcement is made by the Forestry Commission to lift it.
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