Outdoor Burning

The Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County both have ordinances with regards to open burning. Prior to any open burning, you will need to determine which jurisdictions ordinance will apply to you. Should you need assistance in determining this, you can contact the Fire District's Fire Marshal for assistance.

***NOTE: State law requires ANYONE burning outdoors to call the SC Forestry Commission hotline (simply listen to a recording) to ensure weather conditions are safe to burn. In Beaufort County that number is 1-800-895-7062.

Town of Bluffton Regulations:

  • Prior to any burning, you are required to to register and receive a registration number. This registration will require an on site inspection from a representative of the Fire Marshal's Office.
  • Notification must be given to the Fire District every time you plan to burn using your registration number. 
  • Open burning may only occur between the hours of 9:00 am and sunset.
  • Recreational fires, warming fires and ceremonial or religious fires shall occur between the hours of 9:00 am and 12:00 midnight. 
  • All fires shall be fully extinguished at the end of their permitted time. 
  • The fire chief shall have the discretion to prohibit any or all burning in response to drought conditions or any time circumstances make fires hazardous.
  • Attendance by a responsible person who is capable of controlling the fire shall be at the site at all times. 
  • A garden hose connected to a water supply where water is available or on-site fire extinguishing equipment shall be on had at all times to control/extinguish the fire. 
  • All fires are restricted to burning natural vegetation that originates on the premises, commercially prepared fire logs or charcoal. Rubbish is not allowed to be burned.
  • Open burning shall not be conducted within 50 feet of any structure or stored combustible material.
  • Total fuel pile area shall not be greater than three feet in diameter and two feet in  height. 
  • No flammable or combustible liquids shall be used to ignite or maintain fires.

Town of Bluffton: Ordinance

Beaufort County Regulations:

  • Prior to starting the fire, notification shall be given to the State Forester or his duly authorized representative by calling the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 1-800-895-7062.
  • The fire shall at all times be attended by a competent person from the time the fire is kindled until such time all embers have been extinguished.
  • A garden hose connected to a water supply where water is available or on-site fire extinguishing equipment shall be on had at all times to control/extinguish the fire. 
  • The only materials that may be lawfully burned are those vegetative materials which have originated on the site of the open burning. The following are examples, but are not limited to, what are not allowed to be burned: asphalt, paint, plastics, treated wood, paper, petroleum products, demolition debris, dead animals, construction debris, household chemicals, household garbage, tires and cardboard. 
  • Open burning may only occur between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. 
  • No combustible material may be added to the fire between 3:00 pm of one day and 9:00 am the following day.
  • The fire shall be fully extinguished and shall not allow any smoke to be produced beyond the time of official sunset. 
  • Nothing shall be meant to restrict open burning in connection with the preparation of food for consumption, campfires or other like fires intended solely for recreational purposes, fires for religious or ceremonial purposes or for providing human warmth so long as said fires are maintained in a safe manner. 
  • All open burning must be located no less than 75 feet from any structure or road. 

Unincorporated Beaufort County: Ordinance

PRIOR TO BURNING OUTDOORS CALL 843-548-4353 TO DETERMINE IF BURNING IS PERMITTED. IF THERE IS NO ANSWER, LEAVE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE # AND REGISTRATION # ON THE VOICEMAIL.

Complete and submit the Outdoor Burning Registration Form below.

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