Horry County, SC Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Section 20-451 of the Horry County Code makes it a violation to kindle or maintain any open burning, or authorize one, within 50 feet of a structure as defined by the International Fire Code and NFPA standards, or within 50 feet of any property or parcel line. C. 4, State Forestry Commission guidelines and the state's Smoke Management Guidelines; no burn may create a nuisance, including from smoke. The Horry County Administrator, acting on the recommendation of the county fire chief, can prohibit an otherwise-lawful burn outright when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make it hazardous, overriding any exemption in the section.

Four categories are exempted from the 50-foot rule absent that override: vegetative debris burns tied to forestry, wildlife or agricultural work approved by the State Forestry Commission; food preparation and recreational, ceremonial or warmth fires such as campfires, fire pits and chimeneas, so long as they are contained, monitored and nuisance-free; firefighter training burns approved by the fire chief; and burns directed by a public official performing an official duty. Anyone who burns is liable for resulting damage, civil or criminal liability, and all fire-suppression costs the county incurs putting the fire out, regardless of whether the burn itself was legal.