STATE--State Forester Gene Kodama has issued a ban on outdoor burning in all SC counties. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the state.

Kodama said high winds and low humidity fanned a large wildfire in Horry County yesterday and the fire is still not contained. There were other fires in other portions of the state as well. This Burning Ban is a response to his concern that so many S C Forestry Commission resources are already committed and no immediate relief is in sight.

Forestry Commission firefighters are at the highest level of readiness and are bracing for another day of intense activity. The public is asked to immediately report any suspicious smoke or fire to 911 or the Forestry Commission Dispatch Center, 1-800-777-FIRE.

Violators of the burning ban are subject to fines of up to $100 plus costs of court. Forestry Commission officers will be patrolling the state and issuing citations for all illegal fires.