GRANITEVILE, Sc () – The burn ban was put in place on March 1st prohibiting all outdoor burning including yard debris, prescribed burning and campfires.

According to the state Fire Marshall there are more than 175 wildfires with ongoing operations.

An official with the Graniteville Vaucluse Warrenville Volunteer Fire Department, Cpt. Aaron Fittery explains more about they the ban has been put into effect.

“With the fires that we have throughout the state right now, with the manpower that’s being used, obviously it being the way it is now, it could be hard to get personnel to the area and things like that because they’re in other places working, trying to mitigate fires that are happening at this moment.” 

The weather conditions are playing a big role in these fires due to dry and windy conditions.

Fittery says there would be consequences if you do not follow the burn ban.

“If you had a fire and it got out of control, the first thing would be that you’re in violation of the state burn ban, which is a fine. And then also, if you were to have a fire that you started, say you were burning vegetation of your own, and it got onto someone else’s property, that could be an arrestable offense.” 

The South Carolina Forestry Commission posted on their X account a reminder that flying drones or unmanned aircraft systems near a wildfire is illegal and can cause air operations to shut down putting firefighters, residents and properties at risk. 

Fittery says with the brush fires happening in our area to avoid any burning at all costs. 

“Be cautious of what you’re doing, obviously now is not the best time to be burning, so just wait until we get some water, some rain and things like that to be able to do your burning then when it’s allowed, now is not the time you want to be doing it.” 

Governor Henry McMaster said in a press release that the burn ban will be in effect until further notice, to stay informed and to call 9-1-1 if there are any immediate threats.