Controlled burn at Devil’s Fork

A controlled burn is underway at Devils Fork State Park in Oconee County. Certain portions of the park, such as trails, may be closed as crews conduct the burn. The primary objectives, according to the South Carolina PRT, are to reduce fuel loads, which help prevent catastrophic wildfire like the Pinnacle Mountain Wildfire in 2016, and to improve wildlife habitat. The Pinnacle Mountain wildfire was the largest mountain fire in recorded history in South Carolina. Today’s controlled burn returns “good fire” back to the forest under controlled conditions. Today’s effort involves US Forest Service leading the burn with the help of SC Forestry Commission, and the cooperation efforts with the SC State Park Service.