Charleston County, SC Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Charleston County, SC, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Cooking fires
- Exempt under Reg 61-62.2 I.B
- Recreational fires
- Exempt under Reg 61-62.2 I.C
- County permit
- Not required
- Prohibited
- Trash, treated wood, off-site debris
- Nuisance smoke
- Enforceable under Ch. 3
Summary
Recreational backyard fires and fires for cooking food are exempt from SC's open-burning ban. Regulation 61-62.2 Section I.B allows 'open burning in connection with the preparation of food for immediate consumption,' and Section I.C covers recreational fires.
Open burning in connection with the preparation of food for immediate consumption.
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Charleston County a backyard fire is legal when it fits an exemption in SC Reg 61-62.2, which otherwise prohibits open burning. Cooking fires qualify under Section I.B, and campfire-style recreational fires under Section I.C, using only clean, untreated wood. No county permit is required for these. Trash burning, burning treated lumber, and burning off-site debris are never allowed. The county's Ch. 3 Livability nuisance rules still apply, so drifting smoke that disturbs neighbors can be cited even when the fire itself is exempt. During dry spells, watch for temporary burn bans given the county's proximity to the Francis Marion National Forest.
Violations & Fines
A backyard fire that burns prohibited materials or becomes a persistent smoke nuisance can bring a DES open-burning violation and a county nuisance citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a backyard cookout fire legal here?
Can a neighbor complain about my backyard fire smoke?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston County
How Charleston County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Charleston County to another location·View the South Carolina fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.