What is a Red Flag Fire Alert?

red flag A Red Flag Fire Alert is a wildfire danger warning issued by the SC Forestry Commission. The Red Flag cautions that wildfire danger is increasing, and that outdoor burning could become difficult to control. A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning as long as all other state and local regulations are followed. When a Red Flag is in effect, the Forestry Commission asks people to voluntarily postpone any outdoor burning. While the Red Flag itself does not prohibit burning, it may trigger certain county or local ordinances that do restrict outdoor fires. To find out about these ordinances, contact your local fire department. (Forestry Commission officers do not enforce local burning ordinances; that authority is reserved to city or county officers.)

A Forestry Commission Red Flag Fire Alert is sometimes confused with a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning. The NWS Warning is issued when their forecast includes any two of the following conditions: sustained wind speeds in excess of 20 mph; significant wind shifts; relative humidity of 25% or lower; and high lightning potential.


What is a Burning Ban?

burning ban A Burning Ban legally prohibits outdoor burning. Bans are emergency measures, declared only when outdoor burning is deemed significant threat to public safety.

There are two kinds of Burning Bans under SC State Law: a State Forester’s Burning Ban, declared by the director of the Forestry Commission, and a Governor’s Burning Ban, declared by the Governor upon recommendation of the State Forester.

The State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits starting any fire in or adjacent to "woodlands, brush lands, grasslands, ditch banks, or hedgerows" (SC Code 48-35-50). This is generally interpreted to include all types of outdoor burning.

The Governor’s Burning Ban is less restrictive, making allowances for certain agricultural burning (SC Code 48-31-30) In announcing a Burning Ban, the issuing authority will specify the area of South Carolina to which the restrictions apply. Neither the State Forester’s Ban nor the Governor’s Ban applies with the corporate limits of any town or city (SC Code 48-35-30 and 48-31-30). Violation of either a State Forester’s Ban or a Governor’s Ban carries a fine of up to $100. Any burning to which a Ban applies also requires prior notification to the Forestry Commission, so ignorance of a declared Ban is not generally considered a viable legal defense.

Outdoor Burning Notifications

State law requires that you notify the Forestry Commission prior to burning outdoors. In most cases, the law applies to burning leaves, limbs and branches that you clean up from your yard. The notification law does not apply within town or city limits.

Spartanburg County 1-800-517-9640
Greenville County 1-800-986-5299
Greer City 864-848-2169   Must obtain Permit, Land Clearing Only, Fee based

The law requires that you clear a firebreak around the burning site and have the right equipment available to keep the fire under control. You must also stay with the fire until it is completely safe. In addition to state laws regulating outdoor burning, there may be other local ordinances. Be sure to check on this before burning. If adjacent to woods, brush, or grassland, State law requires you notify the Forestry Commission before burning construction debris, trade waste, or vegetative materials from land clearing or right-of-way maintenance. Also included is any outdoor burning conducted for training purposes. The state notification law does not apply within town or city limits, but certain city ordinances may regulate the burning. All burning of this type must comply with DHEC Regulation 61-62.2. You should make sure you understand the requirements prior to calling for notification. Forestry Commission dispatchers are not authorized to interpret this regulation.

SCFC Forest Law Handbook
Online viewable source also downloadable PDF available.

Smoke Detector Program

Saving Our Citizens is a fire department initiative designed to get a smoke detector into every home in Spartanburg County. Because smoke detectors are the first line of defense against fire for any home, Spartanburg fire departments are also offering free installation of the devices.  

“The device installation is key to the program’s success because it ensures each device is put to its best use in every home. That way we know it's installed correctly, it's put in the right places in the home," said Thomas Lindsey of the North Spartanburg Fire Department. “It gives the homeowner sufficient time to get out in case of a fire, that time is crucial in order to exit the homes in a safe manner."

The program received its first large donation in October of 2010 thanks to ServPro, a fire and water damage cleanup and restoration company in Spartanburg County. ServPro generously donated 1,000 smoke detectors to the program.

If you are interested in receiving a smoke detector and installation for your home, please contact 877-1247 for more information. If you, or your business, are interested in donating to the Saving Our Citizens program please contact 877-1247.

To see the news coverage and see video of our Saving Our Citizens program in action visit WYFF's website.

Make sure your family is protected all year round - download our Smoke Detector checklist for your refrigerator and be confident that your device is always working.

Knox Box Infomormation

To purchase a Knox-Box rapid entry system for your place of business or residence click the link and follow the instructions below: http://www.knoxbox.com/store/

Knox Box

When you receive the box it will be open in locked position. Mount the box, preferably near the front entrance. No more than 5’ from the ground. If you have any questions please call us at 1-(864) 877-1247. When you are ready to lock the key or keys in the box call the local fire department.

Community Information

Station Tours and Fire Prevention Programs

fire prevention

Here at the Pelham-Batesville Fire Department we routinely conduct station tours and fire safety programs to the public. Not only do we discuss the daily activities of a firefighter and the equipment they use for a better understanding of the fire service, we also educate the public in Fire Safety and Prevention that could not only save your life but maybe the life of someone you love. We discuss topics not only for the young but also for the adults and senior citizens.

Topics include:

Tours and Programs are provided for groups and individuals of all ages. For more information call the Pelham-Batesville Fire Department at 877-1247.

Conference Room Requests

 A conference room with the ability to seat 30-50 people is available upon request. This is located at our Headquarters station at 2761 South Hwy 14. For more information call 877-1247.

Firework Safety

fireworks

Fireworks are a tradition that date back to our early American history. Used safely they provide an awesome colorful display for everyone to enjoy. But used irresponsibly they will cause severe injury and death. Here are some safety tips we recommend when using fireworks for your safety and the ones you love:

  1. Never let a child handle, play with or light any fireworks. Fireworks should only be handled by responsible adults.
  2. Please do not consume alcoholic beverages while using fireworks. Fireworks must be used by responsible individuals who are not impaired in any way.
  3. Know and follow your local ordinances and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks. Do not use illegal explosives. Do not alter any firework device. Do not make your own fireworks. Use common sense at all times in handling fireworks.
  4. Use fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface, not on grass or gravel. If you are using fireworks on grass, lay down a flat, sturdy piece of plywood as a shooting surface. Make sure the fireworks are stabile before you shoot them.
  5. Use fireworks in a clear, open area, making sure the area overhead is free from obstructions. Keep your audience a safe distance away from the shooting site. Look for dry grass, dry brush or any flammable items that could catch fire. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  6. Never put any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product at any time. Never look into a tube to check on the firework item. Never hold a lighted firework in your hand.
  7. Always light firework products with an extended lighting device. Light the fuse only on the tip. Use a flashlight at night so you can see the fuse. Never use a lantern or other flame-producing device near fireworks for illumination. Light the fireworks product and get away quickly.
  8. Light only one firework item at a time.
  9. Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any “dud” firework item. If it doesn't work the first time carefully place it in a bucket of water.
  10. Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby. During any fireworks shoot there should always be someone assigned as the fireman, whose job it is to be alert and at the ready with a water source for emergencies.
  11. Be careful of lighting fireworks during strong wind conditions. Light fireworks with strong winds blowing away from the audience.  If there is a wind shift during your shooting, you should stop or rearrange your shooting site to accommodate the wind shift.
  12. Use care in handling fireworks and be careful not to drop them. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket. Do not smoke when handling fireworks.
  13. Never aim, point or throw any fireworks at another person or at any property.
  14. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and dispose of fireworks properly.
  15. Use fireworks outdoors not indoors.
  16. Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers.  Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any fireworks; do not attempt to make your own fireworks.
  17. Safety glasses are recommended for individuals lighting fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks. 

If you have any questions about fireworks or the area you are shooting fireworks, call the Pelham-Batesville Fire Department at 877-1247.