If you witness or are aware of an illegal outdoor burn in our community, it’s important to report it to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). Unauthorized outdoor burning can harm public health and the environment.
Help us keep our community safe by reporting violations through the SCDHEC’s official form. You can access the form and submit your report by visiting this link. Together, we can help prevent hazards and ensure clean air for all residents.
Thick black or gray smoke may signal burning of prohibited materials like treated wood or tires, which is illegal in Charleston.
Sharp, chemical-like smells often suggest that plastics or other banned substances are burning.
Permits are required for certain types of outdoor burns in Charleston, so if no permit is posted, the burn may be unauthorized.
Fires that seem out of control or left unattended can quickly become hazards, especially in residential areas.
Items like household trash, plastics, and treated wood are illegal to burn outdoors under Charleston's environmental guidelines.
Charleston restricts outdoor burns during certain times, such as high-wind days or drought conditions, so burns during these periods are often illegal.
If you notice any of these signs, consider reporting it to help keep Charleston’s air clean and the community safe.
