Controlled burn warning issued in Richland County near Old Bluff Road

The Richland County Conservation Commission will begin conducting prescribed burns in the Old Bluff Road area on Saturday, May 16 until Saturday, May 30.

Residents may notice smoke around selected conservation properties in Southeast Richland.

Burn operations will take place early in the day and end at sundown, according to a news release.

Prescribed burning is a land management tool used to reduce the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires, according to the Richland County Government. Controlled burns remove excess vegetation, also known as hazardous fuels that increase fire danger.

Trained forest managers ignite targeted areas during prescribed burns. Fires remain at a low-intensity and are closely monitored.

Prescribed burns will be conducted under permits issued by the S.C. Forestry Commission and will follow strict safety and weather guidelines, the Richland County Government said.

No action is required from residents in response to these prescribed burns. Contact the County Ombudsman’s Office at (803) 929-6000 with any questions or concerns.