On average, fires burn about 18,000 acres every year in South Carolina. The biggest fire in South Carolina was a flame of 30,000 acres in Hurry County in April 1976. Just the worst rural and city fire, the fire on the highway 31 in April 2009, which burned over 19,000 acres and 76 homes, was in Hurry County. It is different every year, but the season of wild fire, which registers the most fires, is the season from 1980 to 1981, in which 14 405 wild fires were registered.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the wild fire season 2024-2025 can be variable. La Niña carries drier than normal conditions, and the damage from the storm of hurricane Helen creates a bad combination. The National Center for Interareure calls for above average conditions throughout the country this season.
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In the last five years, there have been an average of 1300 wild fires in South Carolina. For reference, 2022 had about 2000 wild fires and this season could be close to it.
What causes fires?
Between 1992 and 2013, five of the six fires in the United States were caused by humans. Once fire begins, whether from human activity or natural causes, time determines its potential spread and growth rate. Knowing if there are weather conditions of fire and it is given how well the local areas are maintained so that fires do not spread and threaten structures or people is crucial.
South Carolina firefighters began training to be prepared when wild fires were ignited. Of course, these trainings are controlled and uncontrollable time can quickly impair wild fires.
State legislation requires citizens to notify the South Carolina Forestry Commission before burning the yards. Notify SCFC here
How does time affect fires?
The flash can start fires, especially if it hit dry vegetation. Once the fire is ignited, either through lightning or people – on purpose or not – weather conditions can spread such fires. Drought, vegetation, humidity, temperatures and winds are the main components that can spread fire.
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South Carolina has no clear wet or dry season, but the most dry months are usually in the fall. It is no coincidence that the South Carolina Wild Fire season reaches peaks in the coming months – winter and early spring – when it is likely that the most dry months are over and the drought develop. Vegetation nourishes fires to rage – the peaks of the Wildfire season in the eastern half of winter, when Upstate has more winter rainfall. At the same time, later during the season, close to spring, there is a tendency to have a higher risk of fires in northwestern South Carolina and the risk is reduced to the coastal region.
With all the vegetation, more, if it is dry vegetation, accessible to fires and low humidity, in winter and spring, allowing fires to grow. Then there are winds. The windy conditions after a cold front, which are blurred, allow the fires to spread quickly. These are the two main reasons why you can hear about “red flag warnings” in different parts of the state. These warnings warn residents of dangerous fire weather conditions, more special when the humidity is low and the strong winds are in full force. Warm temperatures can also play with low humidity and gusts of winds. The heat carries more evaporation and with proper adjustment can also give more fire strength.
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Specific meteorological conditions will encourage the issuance of a red flag warning from the National Meteorological Service for your area, and these are statements issued when there are weather conditions, such as low humidity and strong winds. These weather conditions can quickly spread fires. The South Carolina Forest Committee issues a red flag when specific conditions are met. The relative humidity, winds and moisture of terrestrial fuel, as well as outdoor activity, are taken into account. These signals are exported to discourage people to burn outdoors when the risk of fire is increased.
Please note all the active signals in your area, along with local weather conditions that could help spread fires.