Simpsonville's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Simpsonville, South Carolina, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Recreational backyard fires such as campfires and warmth fires are exempt from South Carolina's open-burning ban, so they are generally allowed in Simpsonville. Warmth fires must use only clean, untreated wood, and city fire officials can order any fire extinguished if it becomes unsafe.
Key details: Campfires: Exempt, generally allowed. Fuel: Clean, untreated wood only. Permit: Not required for recreational fire. Prohibited: Trash, plastics, treated wood. Officials: May order unsafe fire out.
An unsafe, oversized, or nuisance backyard fire, or burning prohibited materials, violates state open-burning rules and the city fire code and may be ordered extinguished with enforcement.
Fireworks
Consumer fireworks are legal statewide in South Carolina and permitted inside Simpsonville, but the city limits you to ICC class C 'common fireworks' and requires you to discharge them only on private property, never on public streets or in the fire zone/business district without council approval.
Key details: State stance: Consumer fireworks legal (permissive). State law: SC Code Title 23, Chapter 35. Allowed type: ICC class C common fireworks only. Where: Private property only, not public. Fire zone: Needs council approval.
Possessing, selling, storing, transporting, or using non-permissible fireworks, or discharging on public property, violates Chapter 20, Article V; enforced by police/fire marshal with municipal fines.
Outdoor Burning
South Carolina prohibits open burning statewide except for listed exceptions. You may burn leaves, tree branches, and yard trimmings that originate on your own residential property, but burning household garbage, plastics, tires, treated wood, or building materials is illegal.
Key details: Allowed: Leaves, branches, yard trimmings on-site. Prohibited: Garbage, plastics, tires, treated wood. Regulation: SC Reg. 61-62.2 (SCDES). Safety: Firebreak, attend, keep equipment. Not on: Ozone Action days.
Burning garbage, plastics, or other prohibited materials, or an uncontrolled burn, violates SC Reg. 61-62.2; a written warning followed by a repeat violation results in legal action.
Smoke Detectors
South Carolina law requires approved, working smoke detectors in one- and two-family rental dwellings. The landlord must supply and install them and repair or replace a deficient detector within 15 days after written tenant notice. New or heavily remodeled dwellings need hardwired detectors.
Key details: State law: SC Code Section 5-25-1330. Applies to: 1- and 2-family rental dwellings. Landlord duty: Supply and install detectors. Repair window: 15 days after written notice. New builds: Hardwired detectors required.
A landlord who fails to supply, install, or timely repair required smoke detectors violates SC Code 5-25-1330 and the adopted fire/building code, exposing them to enforcement and liability.
The Bottom Line
Simpsonville's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Simpsonville is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Simpsonville can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.