Spartanburg County, SC Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Spartanburg County, SC, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- May burn
- Yard debris only
- Notify Forestry Commission
- Required (1-800-517-9640)
- Distance from structures
- 50 feet
- Illegal to burn
- Trash, plastics, tires
- Burn bans
- Override permission
Summary
You may burn yard debris (leaves, limbs, branches) in unincorporated areas, but state law requires notifying the SC Forestry Commission first (1-800-517-9640). Burning household trash, plastics, tires and other rubbish is illegal.
State law requires that citizens notify the Forestry Commission before burning outdoors. This requirement applies only to unincorporated areas of the state (outside of city/town limits).
Full Breakdown
Spartanburg County Code Section 10-81 permits open burning of leaves, tree branches and yard trimmings only, kept at least 50 feet from any structure and constantly attended with a 4-A-rated extinguisher or water on hand. State law adds a step: the SC Forestry Commission must be notified before burning outdoors in unincorporated areas. It is illegal to burn household garbage, paper, oils, tires, rubber, plastics, paints, cleaners, farm chemicals or wire. Burn bans issued during drought override all of these allowances.
Violations & Fines
Illegal burning is enforced by the county Fire Marshal and state Environmental Services; burning during a ban or torching prohibited materials brings fines and liability for escaped fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to notify anyone before burning leaves?
Can I burn household trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spartanburg County
How Spartanburg County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Spartanburg County to another location·View the South Carolina fire regulations overview
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