National forests will be smoking when federal agency gears up burn program in SC
The federal government is gearing up to burn selected areas of the Sumter and Francis Marion national forests in South Carolina as part of the effort to prevent large wildfires.
It might sound odd to burn part of a forest to limit chances of a larger fire, but it’s a strategy used to clear out flammable vegetation called “hazardous fuels.’’ During controlled burns, forest managers ignite vulnerable areas, then maintain a low blaze until the those highly flammable spots have been neutralized.
“We use prescribed fires throughout the year to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires,’’ the U.S. Forest Service said in a Jan. 15 news release.
The news release did not say when the burning would begin, only that it will be part of spring prescribed fire operations.
Despite the purpose of controlled burning, the public sometimes notices the smoke and questions what caused a blaze. Smoke from controlled fires can penetrate areas away from national forests.
“Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns,’’ the Forest Service said. ‘’When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.’’
Prescribed fires have been set in national forests for years. The areas being burned are at times made off-limits to the public for several days.
Sometimes, the activity can enrage hunters worried about game animal habitat. Some hunters complained in 2017 that controlled fires were burning up wild turkey nests and limiting hunting opportunities.
The Sumter National Forest is composed of three sections, including one in the mountains of Oconee County, one in the area of Chester County north of Columbia, and one near Edgefield west of Columbia. The Francis Marion National Forest is in the Lowcountry near Charleston.
The Forest Service says people who want to know the burning schedule can find out at the agency website. Or the public can access the state Forestry Commission website
This story was originally published January 17, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
