South Carolina Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for South Carolina - April 21, 2026

Overview

South Carolina is experiencing a significantly elevated fire risk due to persistent long-term dryness and worsening drought conditions. Currently, over 81% of the Southeast is in severe to exceptional drought. This lack of rainfall, combined with low relative humidity, gusty winds, and heavy fuel loads remaining in forests from Hurricane Helene, has created a highly volatile environment. Energy release component values are at high-to-critical levels, meaning wildfires are increasingly fuel-driven and difficult to control.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There is currently active wildland fire activity occurring in the state. Due to the extreme fire danger, the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) issued a statewide State Forester's Burning Ban, which remains in effect. The potential for new significant wildfires to start is well above normal for this time of year, and state resources are actively engaged in suppression and containment efforts.

Key Fires:

• Woodbury Fire (Marion-Woodbury Road Fire): Located in Marion County, approximately 10 miles east of Hemingway, SC, this wildland fire has burned over 1,750 acres. It originated from the re-ignition of a prescribed burn in the Woodbury Wildlife Management Area. The fire is currently showing active running behavior and is threatening nearby residences. It is burning through boggy areas with limited access, fueled by heavy brush, grass, logs, and downed trees. Firefighters have been utilizing "burnout" operations to intentionally remove these fuels between the advancing front and local roads to starve the fire and protect infrastructure.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
Prior to the current weather shift, agencies including the Richland County Conservation Commission and the U.S. Forest Service were conducting prescribed burns in areas like the Old Bluff Road area and the Francis Marion National Forest to reduce overgrown vegetation. However, under the current statewide burning ban, all new prescribed burns, yard debris burning, campfires, and bonfires in unincorporated areas are strictly prohibited.

Air Quality:
Smoke from the Woodbury Fire and recent burnout operations may impact surrounding communities in Marion County and drift toward the northeast into North Carolina. Residents in affected areas should remain aware of air quality changes and exercise caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across South Carolina today are sunny and dry, with temperatures around 60°F and relative humidity dropping below 40%.
Forecasted Weather: The state remains under a heightened threat for Red Flag Fire Alerts. A strong drying trend is expected to continue over the next 72 hours, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s by mid-week. The combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, humidity levels dropping below 25%, and gusty winds will maintain critical fire weather conditions. These factors make it highly likely that any sparks will ignite easily and spread rapidly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to comply with the statewide burning ban. Escaped debris burns are the leading cause of wildfires in South Carolina. Citizens should exercise extreme vigilance by avoiding any activities that could create sparks, such as parking vehicles on dry grass, operating certain outdoor equipment, or using fireworks.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions, as heavy fuel loads—particularly downed and drying trees from past storms—not only increase the risk of rapid fire spread but also impede access to remote areas, adversely impacting response capabilities.

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: scfc.gov
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: scemd.org

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.