Georgetown County Issues Outdoor Burn Ban

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Georgetown County officials have announced an outdoor burn ban effective Friday morning at 6 a.m. due to increasingly dry and windy conditions that raise the risk of fast-spreading fires. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris and burn piles, though fires for cooking or warmth are still allowed with caution. The order will remain in place until weather conditions improve.

Why it matters

South Carolina has been experiencing an ongoing drought, and the dry, windy weather in Georgetown County has created dangerous fire conditions that could threaten lives and property if not properly addressed. The burn ban is a necessary precaution to mitigate this elevated fire risk.

The details

The outdoor burn ban is an active ordinance, not just a recommendation, and will be enforced by local authorities. All forms of open burning are prohibited, including yard debris and burn piles. However, fires used strictly for cooking or warmth are still permitted, though residents are urged to use extreme caution. County officials say the ban will remain in effect until weather conditions become less hazardous.

• The outdoor burn ban will go into effect at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026.

What’s next

County officials have stated they will provide updates on the burn ban as conditions change, and will promptly notify the public when the order is lifted.