South Carolina Burn Ban and State Of Emergency In Effect Due To Wildfires
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency over the weekend, thanks to wildfires burning across the state.
As of Sunday, firefighters were responding to more than 175 wildfires in the Palmetto state, impacting more than 4,200 acres in mostly Horry, Spartanburg, Oconee, Union and Pickens Counties.
“The State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need,” said McMaster.
South Carolina Burn Ban in Effect Until Further Notice
McMaster’s declaration followed a statewide burning ban issued March 1 by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. All 46 counties in the state are included in the ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning and campfires due to dry, windy conditions. The ban will be in effect until further notice.
“While a majority of the current wildfire activity is concentrated in the Pee Dee region, the rest of the state is experiencing a dramatic uptick in wildfires, straining the capacity of Forestry Commission firefighters and local emergency response personnel,” said Darryl Jones, Forest Protection Chief for the South Carolina Forestry Division.
State of Emergency Also Prompts Price Gouging Law to go Into Effect
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Sunday that the state’s price gouging law is now in effect, due to the State of Emergency imposed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.
The price gouging law will remain in effect until the State of Emergency expires or is terminated.
The law says businesses and individuals are not allowed to unfairly take advantage of customers with higher prices during emergencies or disasters.
Wilson said price gougers can be charged with a misdemeanor for excessive pricing, which is punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or jail time.
If You Think You’ve Been a Victim of Price Gouging:
- Note the time, place, address, and name of the business
- Note the price you paid
- Note any prices nearby and get the same information on those businesses
- Take that, identify the business, along with the price
- Provide your name and contact information
- Send the information to www.scag.gov/price-gouging.
