Fires
In South Carolina, structural fires are divided into several categories: public assembly property, educational property, institutional, store/office, basic industry, utility defense, manufacturing, storage, special, residential, and unclassified. Each year South Carolina averages approximately 9500 fires in all categories.
Wildfires are caused by numerous sources ranging from lightning, arson, carelessness by smokers, individuals burning debris or operating equipment which throws sparks, to children playing with matches. However, the largest number of fires in South Carolina caused by people is woods arson and the second leading cause is careless debris burning.
In a typical year, South Carolina responds to over 5000 wildfires, which burn nearly 30,000 acres. South Carolina's wildfire season usually occurs between late winter and early spring. The largest wildfire occurred in April 1976 when 30,000 acres burned in Horry County. The state's worst 12-month period occurred between July 1980 and June 1981 when 14,405 fires were reported.
