Rock Hill, SC Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Wildfire risk in Rock Hill comes from the Piedmont landscape, characterized by mixed pine and hardwood forests, residential subdivisions interspersed with wooded lots, and seasonal dry spells. Wildfire activity in South Carolina peaks in late February through April when leaf-off conditions, low humidity, and high winds combine. Unlike states with formal Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) programs, South Carolina's regulatory regime is built around three structures, not adopted WHSZ maps. (1) SC Forestry Commission (SCFC) - under S.C. Code Title 48 Chapter 35, the SCFC has statewide wildfire-control authority. SCFC publishes a Daily Fire Danger Index and may issue statewide or county-level burn bans under S.C. Code Section 48-35-30 prohibiting all outdoor burning until the ban is lifted. SCFC also runs a notification system (1-800-705-8612) required for any outdoor burning in unincorporated areas. (2) South Carolina Building Codes Council - SCBCC has adopted the 2018 IBC, IRC, and IFC, but has NOT adopted IFC Chapter 49 (Wildland-Urban Interface Areas), the 2018 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC), or any equivalent of California's Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones (Gov. Code 51178) and Zone 0 / Zone 1 / Zone 2 defensible-space rules (PRC 4291 / 14 CCR 1280). There is no SC-mandated ignition-resistant siding, ember-resistant venting, Class A roofing, or non-combustible 5-foot zone for new construction. (3) City of Rock Hill - the City adopts the 2018 IBC, IRC, and IFC through Rock Hill City Code Chapter 10 (Buildings; Building Regulations) and Chapter 16 (Fire Prevention and Protection) and does not impose city-specific WUI construction or vegetation rules beyond the IPMC 12-inch weed-height rule (Section 302.4) and the City Code Chapter 20 nuisance authority. The First Street Foundation rates York County as having moderate wildfire risk overall, with elevated risk in western unincorporated portions adjacent to forested land. Federal programs available to York County include the USDA Forest Service / SCFC Firewise USA recognition program, which is voluntary.