South Carolina Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for South Carolina - June 21, 2026

Overview

South Carolina is currently experiencing typical summer conditions with normal to below-normal wildfire activity. The state's peak fire season typically runs from late winter through mid-April, meaning June generally sees fewer large-scale wildland fires due to seasonal "green-up" and higher humidity. Recent weather patterns, including scattered rain showers and elevated moisture levels, have kept the overall fire danger low across the region. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that national and regional resources are readily available and overall fire activity is manageable.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, wildland fire activity across South Carolina has remained minimal. Firefighters have primarily responded to small, isolated debris or brush fires, which local crews and the South Carolina Forestry Commission have quickly contained before they could spread.

Key Fires:
Currently, there are no large-scale wildland fires active in the state. Recent minor wildland ignitions over the past 72 hours have been small and primarily fueled by light brush, dry grass, and residential yard debris.

Fall Creek Facility Fire (Multi-Agency Assist): While not a wildland fire, a significant emergency event occurred on June 18 when the South Carolina Forestry Commission assisted local fire departments with a massive fire at the Fall Creek Boat Storage complex near the Oconee and Pickens County line. The heavy smoke and threat of spread into nearby vegetation required a multi-agency response. The fire was fueled by structural materials, fiberglass, and marine fuels. Responders successfully contained the blaze, though two boat sheds and dozens of boats were destroyed. The cause remains under investigation.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
With the peak fire season passed and green vegetation abundant, land management activities such as prescribed burns are being conducted where weather and soil moisture permit. These burns are crucial for wildfire hazard reduction, wildlife habitat improvement, and plant disease control. The South Carolina Forestry Commission reminds all citizens that state law requires residents to notify the agency before any outdoor burning takes place. This includes residential yard debris, land clearing, and forestry or agricultural prescribed burns. All burning must comply with South Carolina's Smoke Management Guidelines.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across South Carolina are mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s. Relative humidity remains high, ranging from 64% to 85%, which significantly aids in keeping wildland fuels moist and limiting the potential for rapid fire spread.

Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or Fire Weather Watches in effect for South Carolina. The forecast for the next 72 hours includes a 15% to 35% chance of scattered light rain and thunderstorms across much of the state, with winds remaining relatively calm. These conditions are expected to continue mitigating significant fire potential heading into the new week.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Although the current wildfire risk is low, residents are reminded that over 50% of wildfires in South Carolina are human-caused, most frequently resulting from escaped debris burns. Anyone choosing to burn outdoors should exercise strict vigilance: limit fires to vegetative material, clear a firebreak around the burning site, keep firefighting tools or a water hose nearby, and never leave a fire unattended until it is completely cold.

Resource Allocation: South Carolina Forestry Commission personnel remain fully staffed and ready to respond to any new ignitions. Agencies continue to monitor the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) and daily weather patterns to assess fire potential and allocate resources as needed.

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.