BLUFFTON, SC — If you were planning to clear out some yard debris or gather around a fire pit this weekend, you’ll need to put those matches away.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) has issued a mandatory State Forester’s Burning Ban for all 46 counties, including Beaufort County, effective today, March 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. The decision comes as a “volatile mix” of weather conditions descends on the Lowcountry and the rest of the state. Forecasters are tracking dangerously low humidity levels—dipping below 20% in some areas—coupled with gusty winds and extremely dry vegetation.
What is Prohibited?
The ban is strict for all unincorporated areas of the state. The following activities are strictly prohibited until further notice:
- Yard debris burning (leaves, branches, etc.)
- Prescribed burning for agriculture or land management
- Campfires and bonfires
- All other recreational fires
What is Still Allowed?
While the ban is broad, there are a few exceptions for contained fires that meet South Carolina fire codes:
- Cooking fires: Grills and smokers used for food preparation.
- Appropriate enclosures: Portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, or permanent fire pits made of stone, masonry, or metal.
Note: Even if using an approved enclosure, officials urge extreme caution, as wind gusts can easily carry embers into dry grass or nearby wooded areas.
Why Now? The “Perfect Storm” for Wildfire
According to SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones, several factors have made the state a “tinderbox” this spring.
“In addition to the intensifying drought conditions, the weather we’re going to see statewide over the next several days makes it ripe for any fire that starts to burn intensely and move fast,” Jones stated.
The risk is even higher in areas still dealing with “fuel” left behind by past storms. Dead trees and dried brush from Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have created a high volume of flammable material that can make wildfires difficult for local crews, like the Bluffton Township Fire District, to contain.
Local Impact and Enforcement
In South Carolina, escaped debris burns remain the number one cause of wildfires, accounting for more ignitions than lightning, arson, and equipment use combined.
The ban will remain in effect until the Forestry Commission determines that moisture levels have recovered sufficiently to lower the risk. Local residents are encouraged to monitor the SCFC website or follow the Bluffton Township Fire District for local updates.