South Carolina Lifts Red Flag Fire Alert Across State

Forestry Commission cites improving weather conditions as reason for ending alert in final counties

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:19am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a hazy, dry forest scene under an ominous stormy sky, with only the faintest silhouettes of trees and structures visible in the distance, conveying the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural world.As drought conditions persist, South Carolina forestry officials remain vigilant about the potential for wildfires despite lifting regional fire alerts.Kershaw Today

The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) has lifted the Red Flag Fire Alert for the remaining counties in the state, concluding a phased removal of the alert following improvements in weather conditions across the region. The final stage of the lift applied to counties in the Piedmont and Midlands regions, as well as Aiken and Barnwell.

Why it matters

The Red Flag Fire Alert is a critical warning system used by the SCFC to inform the public and fire departments about heightened wildfire risk due to factors like high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Lifting the alert signals a reduced immediate threat, though the commission continues to urge caution due to ongoing drought conditions.

The details

The removal of the Red Flag Fire Alert occurred in two stages. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the SCFC lifted the alert for 25 counties after weather conditions began to moderate. The final stage on Friday, April 10 lifted the alert for the remaining counties in the Piedmont, Midlands, Aiken, and Barnwell regions.

  • On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the SCFC lifted the Red Flag Fire Alert for 25 counties.
  • On Friday, April 10, 2026 at 6 a.m., the SCFC lifted the Red Flag Fire Alert for the remaining counties.

The players

South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC)

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting South Carolina's forests, including issuing fire alerts and warnings.

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What’s next

The SCFC continues to urge South Carolinians to maintain extreme vigilance when burning outdoors, as fuels remain dry due to a lack of significant rainfall and intensifying drought conditions expected to persist through the end of April.

The takeaway

While the Red Flag Fire Alert has been lifted statewide, the threat of wildfires remains elevated in South Carolina due to ongoing drought. Residents must still follow strict outdoor burning regulations and remain cautious to prevent accidental fires.