South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Know the Facts
• Composting & Grasscyling
• Open Burning vs. Prescribed Fire
• Know the Laws
• What Can You Burn Legally?
• Know the Risks
• Health Effects
• Environmental Effects
• Open Burning Incidents

• Contacts for Open Burning
• Open Burning Resources
  

Know the Risks - Open Burning Incidents in South Carolina

Open burning is risky, dangerous and unpredictable. Each year countless open burning incidents occur in our state. Open burning imposes a serious threat to our health and environment.

A simple mistake can lead to irreversible consequences such as costly property damage, extensive environmental damage, and injuries or fatalities.

Here are a few recent incidences that have taken place in South Carolina:

• February 2008
• Near I-20 in Aiken County
• Approximately 300 tires burnt along with over 30 acres of pine trees

Tires on Fire in Aiken County

Open Burning in Aiken County

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• March 2007
• Marion County
• Facility caught their salvage yard on fire as a result of open burning

Salvage yard on fire in Marion County

Open Burning in Aiken County

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Examples of Open Burning Violations Previously Investigated by DHEC:

Piled land clearing debris

Copper Wire and Miscellaneous garbage

Burn barrel with household garbage

Vegetative material and trash pile

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