Prescribed burns planned this season in S.C. State Parks

Columbia, S.C. – State and federal fire crews are planning prescribed burns at several South Carolina State Parks to reduce hazardous forest fuels that cause wildfires and improve habitat conditions for wildlife and recreation.

Prescribed burns in the following parks have either recently been conducted or are planned in the coming months:

• Aiken State Park (Aiken County)
• Barnwell State Park (Barnwell County)
• Devils Fork State Park (Oconee County)
• Givhans Ferry State Park (Dorchester County)
• Goodale State Park (Kershaw County)
• Hunting Island State Park (Beaufort County)
• Lake Wateree State Park (Fairfield County)
• Lee State Park (Lee County)
• Oconee State Park (Oconee County)
• Poinsett State Park (Sumter County)
• Sadlers Creek State Park (Anderson County)
• Table Rock State Park (Pickens County)

Burns are only conducted when a variety of natural conditions properly align, including ground moisture, smoke dispersal, weather, wind, and more. These factors change from hour to hour, making it difficult to schedule exact burn dates and times in advance.

Many of our ecosystems rely on burns to support forest health. The longleaf ecosystems in Aiken, Barnwell, Goodale, and Poinsett, for example, will benefit tremendously from newly implemented forest management plans that include frequent, low-intensity fires to maintain biodiversity.

Burns mimic historic natural fires as much as possible. Immediately after a controlled burn, the area may temporarily look raw and desolate. New shoots start to green up the forest floor within as little as a few days or weeks. Burn notifications are posted on the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s website, and immediate notice is provided to local fire and law enforcement officials.

When a burn is scheduled, park officials make every effort to notify the public of any disruption to the visitor experience. Trails and roads in and around the parks may be temporarily closed during burns. Visitors should follow all posted signage.

Burn Safety:

• Safety is our primary concern during any controlled burn.

• The fire experts assigned to these burns are highly trained and have years of experience protecting communities, themselves, and the land they are working to restore.
• Fire specialists closely monitor conditions and adjust the schedule as needed to ensure the safety of residents and crew members.
• Crews construct firebreaks to ensure the fire does not leave the burn area.

Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed March 2026 Prescribed Fire Awareness Month in South Carolina. To learn more about prescribed burning throughout the state, visit the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s website. Learn more about South Carolina State Parks at southcarolinaparks.com.