Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests to implement Forest Closure for Fire Restrictions

Columbia, SC – March 26, 2025 – Based on extreme fire danger, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests will implement a Forest-wide closure on all fire related activity. The below acts are strictly prohibited on all federal lands and waters that comprise the federally designated boundaries of the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina.
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire or open charcoal grill. 37 CFR 261.52(a)
2. Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR 261.52 (f)
3.Violating South Carolina state law concerning burning or any fire, for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of Fire. 36 CFR 261.52(K)
 

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e) the following persons are exempt from this order.

1.Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State or Local Law Enforcement Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. The use of commercially available fuel stoves (portable gas camp stoves or charcoal covered grills) forest wide.
 

Please note that this closure is separate from the state-wide burn ban issued by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. This Order will be in effect Wednesday March 26, 2025, and shall remain in effect until April 30, 2025, or until rescinded, by an authorized Forest Service official.