SC firefighters may be slowed in battle with Table Rock wildfire this week. Here’s why
The large wildfire at Table Rock grew slowly on Monday, but there’s concern that could change soon because of the weather.
The Table Rock Fire in Pickens County is estimated to be 1,156 acres, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Also, the much smaller nearby Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County is an estimated 314 acres.
Overcast conditions and early rain on Monday prevented aircraft from continuing water drops on both fires most of the day, but that’s less of a concern compared to the impending weather.
“The weather over the next few days remains concerning, as relative humidities are expected to remain very low and the forecasted wind speeds will still be conducive to spreading the fire,” a post from the forestry commission reads.
Upstate weather forecast
According to the National Weather Service, dry and very gusty conditions are expected to develop in the region of the two wildfires Tuesday afternoon. Relative humidity is expected to drop below 30% and maybe even below 25%, across the low terrain and mountain valleys.
“Fine fuel moisture remains very dry after only light rainfall on Monday, so conditions warrant increased fire danger from noon today through 8 p.m. this evening,” the NWS states.
A statewide outdoor burn ban remains in place for South Carolina.
Air quality alert
Meanwhile, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services has issued a code orange air quality alert for Pickens County, the northern half of Greenville County, and the northern half of Spartanburg County because of the fires. The air quality alert is set to last through noon today.
A code orange air quality alert means that the fine particulate concentrations in the area will likely reach unhealthy levels for people sensitive to particulate pollution.
Ongoing SC firefighter efforts
Crews are expected to continue reinforcing firebreaks on the eastern side of the Table Rock Fire on Tuesday, the forestry commission states. In the days to come, they’ll move around the rest of the perimeter to hopefully establish stronger protections.
The Persimmon Ridge Fire, southeast of Caesar’s Head State Park, is burning mostly to the south of Campbell Mountain. Crews established some good firebreaks on the eastern side of the fire on Monday. As such, work today will focus on strengthening those eastern lines and making more progress on the perimeter, the forestry commission states.
To keep track of wildfires in the state, you can view this map.
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 9:18 AM.
