A Strategic Response to Wildfire Risk
Trained to Act. Equipped to Protect. Committed to Containment.
The Bluffton Township Fire District Wildland Fire Crew is a specialized team committed to mitigating brush and wildland fires within our 246-square-mile jurisdiction and beyond. From local incidents to regional deployments, this team provides essential support through strategic fire suppression and proactive mitigation.
Formed in 2007, the Wildland Program was developed in response to Bluffton’s rapid growth and the increasing presence of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas—zones where residential development meets undeveloped wildland. These areas are particularly vulnerable to fast-moving, destructive fires.
Highly Trained. Regionally Connected. Mission-Driven.
The Wildland Fire Crew consists of 24 highly motivated personnel who bring skill, discipline, and teamwork to every incident. Whether it’s a small brush fire or a multi-day wildfire operation, crew members prioritize safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in every response.
In addition to fire suppression, the team:
- Participates in prescribed burns and fire line operations
- Engages in mutual aid deployments across South Carolina and other southern regions
- Conducts after action reviews (AARs) to improve operational readiness
- Gains valuable leadership and technical skills through ongoing training
Federal Partnership & Training Ground
Since its inception, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (Savannah NWR) has served as the hosting agency for the BTFD Wildland Fire Crew. This relationship has provided the team with robust training opportunities and strengthened the District’s capacity to respond to wildland fires at the local, state, and national level.
