Elevated Fire Danger and Wildfires Affect South Carolina

Walhalla, South Carolina — Elevated fire danger continues to persist in South Carolina as wildfires burn across the region, particularly affecting Oconee County. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a weather alert for fire danger that remains in effect until 3 p.m. on Thursday. The alert encompasses Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties.

Forecasts indicate dry and windy conditions, with humidity levels expected to dip between 20-30% and wind gusts reaching 15-25 mph. The NWS cautioned that these factors, combined with dry fuels, will escalate fire danger across the southwestern region of North Carolina, the South Carolina Upstate, and northeast Georgia.

Residents are encouraged to consult with local burn permitting authorities before conducting any outdoor burning activities. Those who choose to burn are advised to exercise extreme caution under the current conditions.

Current Wildfire Conditions

A wildfire near Walhalla has been active since Saturday, starting around 1:15 p.m. near Lake Jemiki Road. As of Tuesday, the wildfire has expanded to cover approximately 474 acres. Oconee County Emergency Management Director has confirmed that 90 firefighters, alongside three aircraft, are working to combat the fire.

So far, no homes or buildings have been threatened, and there have been no reported injuries related to the wildfire. Currently, the fire is estimated to be about 75% contained, although wind conditions have caused localized flames to jump the fire line.

Recent rainfall totaling 0.97 inches has assisted in suppressing fire activity; however, some interior pockets of the burn area remain active.

Statewide Response and Fire Ban

A statewide burn ban is in effect in South Carolina due to the heightened risk of wildfires. Governor McMaster has declared a state of emergency as multiple wildfires continue to impact the state.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission initially lifted the burn ban for 41 counties on March 31 but retained it for Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties because of ongoing wildfire threats in those regions.

Table Rock Complex Fire

In addition to the wildfire near Walhalla, the Table Rock Complex Fire has expanded to over 12,000 acres, making it the largest mountain wildfire in the history of South Carolina and is currently 30% contained. The existing burn ban is in place to allocate resources to managing the Table Rock Complex fires occurring in Greenville and Pickens counties.

a recent fire in Oconee County, resulting in the death of one man, is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.

What areas are affected by the fire danger alert in South Carolina?

The alert covers Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties.

What are the expected weather conditions contributing to the fire danger?

Dry and windy conditions are expected, with minimum relative humidity values between 20-30% and wind gusts of 15-25 mph.

What is the status of the wildfire near Walhalla?

The wildfire near Walhalla has expanded to 474 acres and is about 75% contained. Approximately 90 firefighters are actively combating the fire.

Is there any risk to buildings or homes from the wildfire?

No homes or buildings are currently threatened by the wildfire, and there have been no reported injuries.

What measures are being taken at the state level regarding fire management?

Governor McMaster has declared a state of emergency, and a statewide ban on outdoor burning is in effect due to elevated fire risks.

What is the size of the Table Rock Complex Fire?

The Table Rock Complex Fire has grown over 12,000 acres and is currently 30% contained.

What incident is currently under investigation in Oconee County?

A deadly fire in Oconee County resulting in a man’s death is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.