South Carolina Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for South Carolina - April 20, 2026

Overview

South Carolina is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to rapidly escalating drought conditions, with over 97% of the state currently experiencing severe to extreme dryness. This lack of moisture, combined with critically low relative humidity and gusty winds associated with a recent frontal boundary, has pushed energy release component values to high-to-critical levels. This combination of factors has led to precarious situations where wildfires are highly fuel-driven, igniting easily, and spreading rapidly. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while there is active localized fire activity, national resource capability remains stable enough to sustain incident operations.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Firefighters across the state are on high alert as dangerous wildfire conditions persist. Escaped debris burns remain the leading cause of wildfires in South Carolina. Local and state crews are actively suppressing numerous smaller, fuel-driven wildfires across the state, prioritizing rapid containment to prevent large-scale spread.

Key Fires:

• Marion County Fire: This significant wildfire has burned approximately 1,750 to 2,000 acres in Marion County and is currently 60% contained. The fire is being fueled by dry vegetation, grass, and timber. Crews have been working diligently to reinforce containment lines despite the challenges posed by dry air and gusty winds.
• Lee County Woods Fire: Located near Rembert, this active 150-acre woods fire is burning near Stuckeytown Road. A unified command has been established among local fire departments and the South Carolina Forestry Commission, which is utilizing bulldozers and aerial assets for suppression. The fire is feeding on dry woods, timber, and southern rough. Stuckeytown Road is currently closed to through traffic to ensure public safety.

(Note: A significant hazard feeding potential fires across the state is the heavy fuel load of downed trees and drying timber debris remaining from past storms, which act as kindling and impede firefighter access.)

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger, the South Carolina Forestry Commission enacted a statewide burning ban that took effect at 7 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. This State Forester's Burning Ban strictly prohibits all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas, including yard debris burning, campfires, and bonfires. Consequently, all prescribed burning and land management activities involving fire have been completely suspended until the ban is officially lifted.

Air Quality: While widespread smoke impacts are not currently reported, localized air quality issues may arise near active fires. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services recently issued an Air Quality Alert for Horry County due to calm, stagnant weather conditions limiting smoke dispersion from the Marion County fire. Residents in affected areas should remain aware and use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Cooler and very dry conditions are present across the state today. High pressure moving overhead is resulting in clear skies and lighter winds, but minimum relative humidity values remain critically low, dropping into the lower to mid-20s.
Forecasted Weather: Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings have been issued for parts of the region due to the combination of low relative humidity and gusty winds reaching 25 to 30 mph. A strong drying trend continues, and with no significant rainfall expected until next weekend, the drought conditions will continue to intensify, keeping the wildfire threat elevated.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Officials urge all residents to strictly adhere to the statewide burning ban. It is crucial to avoid any activities that could create sparks, such as operating certain landscaping equipment, parking vehicles on dry grass, or using fireworks. If you conducted any burning prior to the ban, monitor the burn area carefully to ensure dry conditions do not cause it to rekindle.
Resource Allocation: State and local fire departments are coordinating closely through unified commands. The South Carolina Forestry Commission maintains resources, including heavy equipment and aerial assets, ready to respond rapidly to new ignitions.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
South Carolina Forestry Commission: www.scfc.gov
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: www.scemd.org

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.