Spring and Summer is generally the time when we want to do cleaning around our yard and burn the debris. We all must follow the State Laws and Spartanburg Burn Codes for doing this.
SC State Law requires that you notify the Forestry Commission prior to burning outdoors. This law applies to burning leaves, limbs, and branches. Call toll-free at 1-800-516-517-9640. This allows you a quick, easy way to make your yard debris burning notification. Simply dial this number, listen to the message, and leave your name, address, and phone number. This will notify the Forestry Commission of your outdoor burning.
Please also contact Westview-Fairforest Fire Department if you live in our district to notify us of your outdoor burning. This way we are aware in case your fire should get out of hand or your neighbors call if they see smoke in the area of your home. Call 864-576-2529, and press 0 when the message begins.
A person shall not kindle or maintain any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with section 307 of the International Fire Code (IFC 307.1) as outlined below, and promulgated in Sec. 6-9-60 of South Carolina Code of Laws and 10-81 of Spartanburg County Code of Ordinances within the unincorporated areas of Spartanburg County.
All open burning (including bonfires) shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished – Bonfire must have prior approval from an Enforcement Officer with Spartanburg County’s Fire Marshall’s Office. The attendee must have at least one fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other code-approved fire extinguishing equipment such as dirt, sand, weather barrel, garden hose, or water truck.
Open burning of leaves, tree branches, or yard trimmings, with burning located no closer than 50 feet from any structure, and when provisions have been made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure. (IFC 307.4) Exception: Minimum required distance is decreased to 25 feet from any structure when burn pile size is smaller than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
Bonfires that have prior approval from an Enforcement Officer, with a Spartanburg County Burn Permit issued, and are located no closer than 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Bonfires are ceremonial fires greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. (IFC 307.2 &307.4.1)
Recreational fires (campfires), that are no closer than 25 feet to a structure or combustible materials. Conditions that could cause fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Recreational fires have a total fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. (IFC 307.4.2)
Open burning for workers and/or construction sites, but must be in approved non-combustible containers, and located no closer than 15 feet from a structure. (IFC 304.4 E1)
Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or other local circumstances make such fire hazardous. (IFC 307.1.1)(DHEC Reg 61-62)
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Read more information here from the SC Forestry page on Reg Flag Alerts and Burn Bans!