Fire Regulations in Horry County, SC (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Horry County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Backyard fire pits, chimeneas and campfires used for warmth or recreation are exempt from Horry County's open-burning ban under Code § 20-451(d)(2), as long as they are contained, watched and nuisance-free. The county can still suspend that exemption when the fire chief flags hazardous conditions.
Fire Pits Are Exempt From Horry County's Burn Ban
Few RestrictionsHorry County Code of Ordinances § 20-451(d)(2)
(2)Any burning in connection with the preparation of food for immediate consumption, or fires used solely for recreational purposes, ceremonial occasions, or human warmth (such as small campfires, outdoor fireplaces, heaters, grills, stoves, fire pits, chimeneas, woodstoves, etc.), so long as such burnings are properly contained, continuously monitored, performed in a safe manner and provided n...
Fireworks
Unincorporated Horry County bans fireworks on beaches and public property outright and, in census-designated urban areas, enforces a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew under Code § 20-453. Violators face a $50 civil fee that climbs to $200 for late payment, and $100 for a second offense within a year.
Horry County Fireworks: Curfew, Zones and Fees
Significant RestrictionsHorry County Code of Ordinances § 20-453(a)(2), (b)
(2)Within only the most recent Census Designated Urban Areas of unincorporated Horry County, to use, fire, shoot, discharge, or ignite any fireworks or similar explosives within the unincorporated areas of the county between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except:...c.On July 4 and December 31 on which dates the hours of lawful use will be extended until 12:30 a.m. on July 5 and 12:30 a....
Brush Clearance
Horry County has no ordinance requiring residents to clear brush for wildfire prevention; the only local rule that reaches brush and yard debris is the outdoor-burning setback in Code § 20-451. If you dispose of vegetative debris by burning it, the pile must sit 50 feet from any structure or property line.
Burning Brush? Horry County's 50-Foot Rule Applies
Light RestrictionsHorry County Code of Ordinances § 20-451(b), (d)(1)
(b)Compliance. Any and all open burning must be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations including, without limitation, the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Act, S.C. Code § 48-35-10 et seq., and DHEC Open Burning and Air Pollution Control Regulations and Standards, specifically 24A S.C. Code Ann. Regulations R 61-62.2 and R 61-62.4, South Carolin...
Outdoor Burning
Unincorporated Horry County bans open burning within 50 feet of any structure or property line under Code § 20-451. Burning that is otherwise allowed must still follow state DHEC and Forestry Commission smoke rules, and the County Administrator can shut down any burn, even a permitted one, when conditions turn hazardous.
Horry County Bans Open Burning Within 50 Feet
Some RestrictionsHorry County Code of Ordinances § 20-451(a), (c)
(a)Prohibition. It shall be a violation of this article for any person to kindle or maintain any open burning or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained within fifty (50) feet of any structure, as that term is defined in the most current edition of the International Fire Code and by the National Fire Protection Association, and consistent with those codes and standards. It shall als...
All Horry County ordinances
See every category we cover for Horry County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Horry County Ordinance Hub →