You’d think the middle of January would be the safest time for South Carolina’s forests. It's cold, damp, and the humidity usually feels like a wet blanket. But honestly, that’s not how things work down here. Right now, as of January 17, 2026, we are staring down the barrel of peak wildfire season, and the "danger zone" is shifting across the map faster than most people realize.
If you’re asking what part of South Carolina is on fire, the answer isn't a single spot. It’s a rolling threat. Just this past week, the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) had to slap a Red Flag Fire Alert on 33 different counties. We aren't talking about the stereotypical mountain blazes you see out West; we're talking about fast-moving grass and brush fires in the Midlands, the Pee Dee, and along the coast.
Where the Smoke is Settling Right Now
While large-scale infernos aren't currently swallowing towns, the activity is busy. Very busy. Over the last seven days, firefighters have been jumping on dozens of smaller "initial attack" fires. The most recent heat maps show clusters of activity near Horry County and Darlington County. These aren't just random accidents. They are the result of a specific, nasty weather recipe that happens every January.
Basically, the vegetation is dormant. It’s dead, brown, and brittle. When you pair that "fuel" with the dry, gusty winds we've been seeing—gusts hitting 25 to 30 mph—a simple yard debris burn can turn into a 20-acre woods fire in the blink of an eye.
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In the Pee Dee region, local crews recently had to scramble to contain a series of brush fires near Highway 41 and the 501 bypass. One was an 80-acre monster that started from a single brush pile. The owner thought it was out. It wasn't. The wind woke it up.
The Upstate and the "Helene Factor"
The Upstate—places like Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee—actually dodged the recent Red Flag alert because they got a bit of rain. But don’t let that fool you. There’s a massive elephant in the room for the western part of the state: Hurricane Helene.
Last year's storm left a staggering amount of "heavy fuel" on the ground. We’re talking thousands of downed trees that are now drying out. Forestry Chief Darryl Jones has been pretty vocal about this. It’s a double whammy. Not only do those dead trees act as giant matchsticks, but they also block the roads and trails firefighters need to use to reach a fire. If a fire starts in the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge foothills right now, getting a bulldozer back there is going to be a nightmare.
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- Midlands & Pee Dee: High risk due to low humidity (often below 25%).
- Lowcountry: Vulnerable because of sandy soils and pine straw that dries out in hours, not days.
- Upstate: Moderate risk for now, but the sheer volume of dead timber from Helene makes it a ticking time bomb.
Why Is This Happening in the Winter?
It sounds counterintuitive. It’s January! But in South Carolina, the real wildfire season runs from January through mid-April. Once the first frost kills off the leafy greens, everything turns into kindling.
We are currently under the influence of a La Niña pattern. For us, that usually means warmer, drier winters. When that Arctic air pushes through and the humidity drops, the air literally sucks the moisture out of the pine needles on the ground. This creates what experts call "fine fuels." They ignite with a spark—a cigarette, a dragging trailer chain, or a "controlled" burn that isn't actually controlled.
The Most Common Culprit
The SCFC is pretty clear on the stats: 98% of wildfires in South Carolina are caused by humans. Lightning is almost never the cause this time of year because our winter storms usually come with enough rain to douse any strikes.
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Instead, it’s usually someone burning a pile of leaves in their backyard.
Honestly, it’s easy to underestimate. You think the ground is damp enough. Then the wind picks up at 1:00 PM, a stray ember hits a patch of dry broomstraw, and suddenly you're calling 911.
How to Check Your Specific Area
If you see smoke or want to know if your specific neighborhood is at risk, you shouldn't wait for the evening news. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has a live wildfire map that tracks every active incident they are responding to.
Before you even think about lighting a match outdoors, check the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). It’s a fancy name for a scale that measures how dry the soil is. If that number is creeping up in your county, stay away from the lighter.
Actionable Next Steps for Homeowners
If you live near a wooded area in the Midlands or the Coastal Plain, you need to be proactive. Waiting until you smell smoke is too late.
- Clear the "Ignition Zone": Rake those dead leaves and pine needles at least 30 feet away from your house. If a grass fire starts, you want a "fuel-free" buffer so the flames don't climb your siding.
- The 1-800-705-8613 Rule: This is the SCFC burn notification line. If you are in an unincorporated area, you are legally required to notify them before you burn. It doesn't give you "permission," but it puts you on their radar so they don't dispatch a full fleet if a neighbor reports smoke.
- Watch the Humidity: If the relative humidity is below 30%, just don't burn. It’s not worth the risk.
- Check the "Red Flag" Status: These alerts aren't just suggestions. They trigger local ordinances that can lead to heavy fines if you start a fire that escapes.
The situation in South Carolina is fluid. One day of rain can calm things down, but two days of wind can put the whole state back on alert. Keep an eye on the wind direction and stay off the burn piles until the spring "green-up" finally arrives in late April.