The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert effective immediately, citing dangerous wildfire conditions driven by dry weather, low humidity and forecasted winds.
The alert, announced Tuesday, does not prohibit outdoor burning statewide, but officials are strongly urging residents to voluntarily postpone any outdoor burning until conditions improve.
In Clarendon County, local fire officials said the risk is already being felt.
“Since Friday, Clarendon County Fire Rescue has responded to multiple grass fires throughout our area,” the department said in a public statement. “Due to moderate drought conditions being reported by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, fire danger remains very high.”
Clarendon County Fire Rescue is asking residents to avoid outdoor burning altogether for now, warning that dry conditions can cause fires to spread rapidly and threaten lives, property and natural resources.
“If you must burn, make sure you have the proper equipment, a water source, and adequate manpower on scene before starting,” the department said. “Never leave a fire unattended.”
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the Red Flag Fire Alert was issued because current conditions create an elevated risk of wildfire across the state. In addition to drought intensifying from a lack of significant rainfall, officials said forecasts are calling for higher winds, low humidity and no precipitation in the foreseeable future.
“The combination of dangerous conditions and dry fuels we’re going to see statewide for the next several days all add up to an elevated wildfire risk, and any fire that ignites is likely to burn intensely and spread rapidly,” SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said in the commission’s statement.
The Forestry Commission noted that while the alert itself is not a burn ban, it can trigger county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires. Residents are encouraged to check with their local fire departments to determine whether any local restrictions are in place.
A drought status map released with the alert shows much of Clarendon County in moderate drought, while other portions of South Carolina are experiencing more severe conditions.
The alert will remain in effect until it is lifted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
