Only you can prevent forest fires

A National Wildfire and Education Team has arrived in South Carolina Saturday to assist in preventing human-caused wildfires throughout the Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests. Rick Lint, Forest Supervisor said, “We’re really concerned about the fire danger, and we need to raise awareness with our public about the danger and human caused fires, for their safety and our valuable natural resources.” Lint adds, “We’ve asked a national team of experienced professionals from Oregon, Washington and Arizona to develop and distribute fire prevention and education materials, and defensible space practices in our communities.” Very high fire danger has prompted National Forest fire managers to implement restrictions on the Francis Marion National Forest and the Long Cane Ranger District on the Sumter National Forest to protect public health and safety. Effective June 1, 2019 the following restrictions apply until further notice:

• Fires, Campfires, or Stove Fires, including, but not limited to, Charcoal Grills, and wood-burning stoves are not allowed. Exceptions: ¨ Campfires in Forest Service designated campgrounds (Buck Hall, Wambaw Cycle Trail Camp, Honey Hill Campground, and Elmwood Hunt Camp). ¨ Petroleum fueled stoves or lanterns that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. ¨ Fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove with ¼” spark arrester type screen. • Fireworks, and explosive devices or devices with flames are not allowed. • Engines without spark arresters are not allowed. Fire restrictions will be lifted when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire, and hot, dry weather conditions are no longer forecast. Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions on specific fuel moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors such as predicted weather and amount of current fire activity.