The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide total outdoor burning ban that will go into effect tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7, at 6 a.m.
The ban prohibits yard debris burns, campfires and other types of recreational open burning and forestry, wildlife or agricultural burns; also known as prescribed, or controlled, burns.
After consulting with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, State Forester Scott Phillips ordered the statewide burning ban in the interest of public safety amid the current public health threat posed by the COVID-19 virus.
Not only can smoke exacerbate the symptoms of those who have contracted the virus, but it also can trigger underlying respiratory issues in otherwise unaffected individuals, which could result in symptoms similar to those the COVID-19 virus is known to cause, according to the Forestry Commission.
The ban will stay in effect until further notice from the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
