South Carolina Forestry Commission Warns Residents of Increase Wildfire Danger

Lexington, SC 11/11/2026 - The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) is warning residents to take extra precautions with outdoor burning as changing weather conditions are expected to create an increased risk of wildfires across the state over the coming days.

A weather front is expected to move through South Carolina beginning Thursday afternoon. Although earlier forecasts indicated a greater chance of rain, those precipitation chances have decreased, while forecasts now call for sustained winds, strong wind gusts and falling humidity levels.

Forestry Commission officials say much of South Carolina could begin experiencing stronger winds around 2 p.m. Thursday. The combination of sustained winds and powerful gusts could cause fires to spread rapidly, making them more difficult for firefighters to contain.

Dry air moving into the region is also expected to contribute to lower relative humidity, increasing the potential for fires to ignite and spread. Humidity levels are forecast to drop even further Saturday as conditions continue to change following the passage of the weather front.

The SCFC is urging anyone considering outdoor burning to use extreme caution and carefully evaluate weather conditions before starting a fire. Officials emphasize that windy conditions and dry air can quickly turn a small fire into a dangerous situation.

The Forestry Commission is continuing to monitor forecasts in coordination with the National Weather Service and will provide additional updates through its official social media channels if conditions warrant further warnings.

Residents are encouraged to postpone outdoor burning whenever possible while elevated wildfire danger exists.

Taking precautions now can help protect homes, property and communities across South Carolina.