BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) – The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) has issued a Red Flag Fire Alert across the state, effective immediately and lasting until further notice.
This alert follows multiple fires reported in Beaufort County on Thursday, February 27, including two debris fires in Burton and a brush fire in Beaufort. So far in 2025, the SCFC has responded to 183 forest fires, raising concerns about increasing fire risks.
Why Was the Red Flag Fire Alert Issued?
The SCFC issued this alert to warn residents about the high wildfire risk due to the current weather conditions. The lack of rain, dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds make outdoor burning extremely dangerous.
The commission advises that outdoor burning is not completely banned under the alert. However, they strongly encourage residents to avoid any burning activities until conditions improve.
“A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning,” SCFC stated in a release. “However, we strongly encourage citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted.”
Beaufort County Enforces Stricter Rules
In response to the fire danger, the Burton Fire Department announced on X (formerly Twitter) that outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Beaufort County is strictly prohibited under a local ordinance.
The department warned that violating the ordinance could result in a fine or even 30 days in jail.
What You Should Know About Red Flag Fire Alerts
A Red Flag Fire Alert is a warning issued when weather conditions create a higher-than-normal wildfire risk. These conditions typically include:
✅ Dry vegetation and debris
✅ Little to no rainfall
✅ Low humidity levels
✅ Strong or gusty winds
These factors increase the chance that even a small fire could spread quickly and become uncontrollable.
How Can Residents Stay Safe?
To help prevent wildfires, residents should:
✔ Avoid burning leaves, trash, or yard debris
✔ Properly dispose of cigarettes and matches
✔ Never leave a fire unattended
✔ Keep firefighting tools like water, hoses, and rakes nearby
✔ Follow local fire regulations
What Happens Next?
The SCFC will continue monitoring weather conditions and fire reports. The Red Flag Fire Alert will remain in effect until further notice. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow updates from local authorities.
If you see an uncontrolled fire, report it immediately to 911 or your local fire department.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
