Columbia, SC – Residents across much of South Carolina are urged to use extreme caution Sunday, as the South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a Red Flag Fire Alert for 33 counties statewide, citing dangerous wildfire conditions.
According to the Forestry Commission, the alert goes into effect at 6 a.m. Sunday and covers large portions of the Midlands, Pee Dee, and coastal regions. The alert is being issued due to a combination of very low relative humidity — below 25 percent — dry fuels, and gusty winds, which can allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly.
While a Red Flag Fire Alert does not automatically ban outdoor burning, officials are strongly encouraging residents to voluntarily postpone all outdoor burning activities until conditions improve. Fire managers who proceed with prescribed burns are urged to take extra precautions.
The Commission warns that recent dry weather, minimal rainfall in parts of the Piedmont and mountain regions, and lingering debris from Hurricane Helene — including downed and drying trees — have created highly combustible conditions, particularly in western portions of the state. These fuels can also hinder firefighter access and slow emergency response.
Counties excluded from the alert include Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York, where officials say recent rainfall has reduced wildfire risk.
“These are classic ingredients for elevated wildfire danger,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones, urging residents to respect the alert and avoid activities that could spark fires.
Residents are reminded that local burn bans or ordinances may still apply, even if outdoor burning is not outright prohibited by the Red Flag Alert. People should check with local fire departments or county officials before conducting any burns.
The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the Forestry Commission, which continues to monitor conditions statewide.
For updates, visit scfc.gov.
