Horry County, January 12, 2026
Horry County has enacted an outdoor burn ban due to extreme fire danger caused by low humidity, dry conditions, and strong winds. Effective from January 11, this ban prohibits all outdoor burning activities in the area, even previously permitted ones. The decision highlights concerns after a recent wildfire event in the region, reinforcing the importance of community safety. While a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert was lifted, the local ban remains in effect as the county assesses ongoing risks from the environment.
Conway, South Carolina
Horry County Institutes Outdoor Burn Ban Amidst Extreme Fire Danger
Horry County initiated an outdoor burn ban effective 6 a.m. on Sunday, January 11, due to an assessed state of extreme fire danger. This measure prohibits all forms of outdoor burning within the unincorporated areas of Horry County, a precaution taken as the landscape becomes acutely vulnerable to the rapid spread of fire. The ban, which encompasses even previously permitted burns, is to remain in place until further notice, a quiet acknowledgment of nature’s unpredictable temperament and the fragility of human habitation against its forces.
The decision to enact this ban arose from a confluence of perilous environmental factors: persistently low relative humidity, profoundly dry conditions, and strong, gusty winds. These elements together cultivate a volatile environment where even a minor spark can quickly escalate into a conflagration, threatening property and lives. Concurrently, on Saturday, the South Carolina Forestry Commission had issued a Red Flag Fire Alert for 33 counties across the state, including Horry County, specifically for Sunday, January 11. This broader alert was a statewide caution, urging vigilance due to an elevated risk of wildfire stemming from dry fuels, low humidity, and robust winds, with gusts potentially reaching 30-35 mph. The City of Conway also independently enacted its own ban on open burning for Sunday.
While the State-level Red Flag Fire Alert, which encourages voluntary postponement of outdoor burning but does not universally prohibit it, was subsequently lifted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission effective 6 a.m. on Monday, January 12, as the most dangerous wind conditions abated, the Horry County burn ban persists. This distinction underscores the localized assessment of continuing risk, recognizing that while some transient dangers may pass, the underlying vulnerability in Horry County remains significant. The lifting of a general state alert does not diminish the localized peril that prompted Horry County’s more stringent and ongoing prohibition.
Any engagement in outdoor burning activities during this designated period of prohibition constitutes a violation of the law. Such adherence to the ban is not merely a bureaucratic formality but a fundamental civic responsibility, reflecting a collective understanding of the interconnectedness of safety within a community. It is a quiet call to prudence, acknowledging that individual actions carry broader consequences, sometimes with a solemn finality.
The county’s current vigilance is informed by a sober memory of past events. Horry County, situated in a region prone to various natural hazards, has a history marked by significant wildfires. Barely a year prior, a devastating wildfire consumed more than 2,000 acres in the Carolina Forest area, necessitating widespread evacuations and long months of arduous suppression efforts. That particular incident, too, unfolded during a period when a burn ban was in effect and was tragically sparked by an individual engaged in backyard burning. These past trials serve as poignant reminders of the destructive potential inherent in dry, windy conditions and the critical importance of heeding warnings designed to protect the collective good.
The ongoing burn ban is therefore a sober decision, made with a clear-eyed assessment of environmental realities and the profound human impact of unchecked fires. It is a testament to the community’s learned wisdom in the face of nature’s stark power, inviting a moment of quiet reflection on the shared responsibility each resident holds for the safety and well-being of all. The land, dry and wind-swept, waits for kinder, more humid days before the practice of outdoor burning can safely resume, reminding all of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When did the outdoor burn ban in Horry County become effective?
- A: The outdoor burn ban in Horry County became effective at 6 a.m. on Sunday, January 11.
- Q: What are the reasons for the burn ban?
- A: The ban was initiated due to extreme fire danger caused by low relative humidity, dry, and windy conditions.
- Q: What types of burning are prohibited under the ban?
- A: All outdoor burning, including permitted burns, is strictly prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Horry County.
- Q: How long will the burn ban be in effect?
- A: The ban will remain in place until further notice.
- Q: Was there a statewide fire alert issued?
- A: Yes, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a Red Flag Fire Alert for 33 counties, including Horry County, effective 6 a.m. Sunday, January 11.
- Q: Has the statewide Red Flag Fire Alert been lifted?
- A: Yes, the South Carolina Forestry Commission lifted the Red Flag Fire Alert effective 6 a.m. on Monday, January 12.
- Q: Does the lifting of the statewide Red Flag Fire Alert mean the Horry County burn ban is also lifted?
- A: No, the Horry County burn ban persists despite the lifting of the statewide Red Flag Fire Alert.
- Q: What happens if someone violates the burn ban?
- A: Those involved in any open burning during the ban would be in violation of the law.
Key Features of the Horry County Burn Ban
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date & Time | Sunday, January 11, 6 a.m. | Horry County (Local) |
| Primary Reason | Extreme fire danger | Horry County (Local) |
| Contributing Conditions | Low relative humidity, dry, and windy conditions | Horry County (Local) |
| Prohibited Activities | All outdoor burning, including permitted burns | Horry County (Local) |
| Duration | Until further notice | Horry County (Local) |
| Violation Consequence | Violation of the law | Horry County (Local) |
| Related Statewide Alert (Initial) | Red Flag Fire Alert issued for 33 counties (including Horry), effective Jan 11 | State-level |
| Status of Statewide Alert | Lifted effective Jan 12, 6 a.m. | State-level |
| Horry County Ban Status | Remains in effect despite statewide alert being lifted | Horry County (Local) |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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