Firefighters battle brush fire near Upstate cemetery

Multiple departments responding to blaze off Skyline Road in Greer

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:53pm

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Firefighters from several departments are working to contain a large brush and woods fire that broke out behind a cemetery in Greer, South Carolina. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has been called in to assist due to the difficult terrain, but there is currently no danger to the nearby community.

Why it matters

Brush and forest fires are an ongoing concern in the Upstate region, especially during periods of drought and high winds. This incident highlights the challenges firefighters face in accessing and extinguishing remote blazes, as well as the need for coordinated emergency response efforts across multiple agencies.

The details

According to Greer Fire Department Deputy Chief Josh Holzheimer, firefighters were called on Sunday to the fire off Skyline Road. They are working to contain the blaze, but the rugged terrain is making it difficult. The Forestry Commission has been brought in to help gain better access to the area.

  • Firefighters were called to the scene on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Josh Holzheimer

Deputy Chief of the Greer Fire Department.

South Carolina Forestry Commission

A state agency assisting with the firefighting efforts due to the challenging terrain.

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What’s next

Firefighters will continue working to contain the blaze and protect nearby homes and other structures. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threat of wildfires in the Upstate region, and the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts between local fire departments and state agencies like the Forestry Commission.