What Started the Wildfires?
- Charles Reams
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
What started the Table Rock Fire?
The Pickens County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, is leading the ongoing investigation into how the Table Rock wildfire started.
How did the Table Rock Fire start?
Investigators detailed that the massive wildfire was the result of a “negligent act” by four teenage hikers on March 21.
Those involved in the incident have been identified. Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship said authorities are investigating the incident.
“I’ve had a lot of questions about the charges for those responsible for setting the fire,” Blankenship said on Friday, adding the charges will be made and announced at a later date. “Those are coming. But right now our focus is on the protection of life and property.”
According to a press release for the South Carolina Forestry Commission, deputies initially discovered the blaze while searching for missing hiker Stephanie Womacks.
The search for Womacks has been called off since the Table Rock wildfire was ignited.
Is there a burn ban in South Carolina?
A burn ban is in place for all of South Carolina.
A burn ban is in place due to the heightened risk of fire spreading in dry conditions, according to SCFC.
In South Carolina, there are two types of burning bans: a State Forestry Burning Ban, declared by the Forestry Commission director, and a Governor's Burning Ban, proclaimed by the governor upon recommendation by the state forester.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban?
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, violating such a ban can result in severe penalties.
Violating either a State Forester's Ban or a Governor's Ban carries a fine of up to $200 for the first offense.
The fine increases to at least $500 for second and subsequent offenses.
