Before you burn hurricane debris, know the rules across Beaufort County

Area fire officials have one message for those who plan to burn some of the debris left behind by Hurricane Matthew: Think before you burn.

Such fires can quickly get out of control, fire officials said. In some cases, permits are required before the material can be burned.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to burn debris.

When the fire was too big

Since the storm, brush fires have been a particular problem on Lady’s and St. Helena islands, Lady’s Island-St. Helena Island Fire District spokesman Scott Harris said Sunday. While the district usually sees about two such fires per month during an average autumn, firefighters have seen “one, sometimes two a day” for the past couple of weeks, he said.

“Most of these start with the burning of leftover debris,” Harris said. Many piles are too big for a garden hose to put out or too close to a structure, he said. On his way to one of Saturday’s emergency fires, Harris said he passed three large debris fires that had the potential to get out of control.

He said the debris pickup teams are working their way through the islands, clearing the main roads and are now moving into neighborhoods.

Beaufort County’s burn ordinance outlines rules for burning on residential properties in the unincorporated areas of the county:

▪  Outdoor burning of tree branches, leaves and other vegetation must be at least 75 feet away from any structure or road.

▪  The fire must be started between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. No new materials can be put on the fire between 3 p.m. the first day and 9 a.m. the following day. Any existing fire at 3 p.m. is allowed to finish burning as long as no more smoke is produced by sunset.

▪  The fire must be attended at all times by someone who is able to put it out if need be. This person must have a constant water supply or another means to extinguish the fire readily available.

▪  The state forester should be notified ahead of time at 1-800-895-7062.

Harris suggested also calling your local fire department. He also advises breaking giant piles down into several smaller ones.

When the fire was illegal

Beaufort, Port Royal and Bluffton have had recent reports of illegal fires but not any major brush fires, their respective fire officials said.

County municipalities have their own burn ordinances that require permits to have an open burn of yard debris and set limits when those can be set.

The Beaufort and Port Royal burn ordinances are similar:

▪  The pile to be burned can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.

▪  The piles can burn only between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the first full week of March, April, November and December.

▪  A permit is required to burn.

Port Royal goes further to require a 25-foot distance between the fire and any structure on the property.

The next burn cycle will begin on Nov. 6, Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department Fire Chief Reece Bertholf said.

Bluffton has its own set of rules including:

▪  All open burning must occur between 9 a.m. and sunset. (That doesn’t include recreational or ceremonial fires. See the ordinance for more information.)

▪  The fire must be attended at all times by someone who is able to put it out. This person must have a constant water supply or another means to extinguish the fire readily available and a way to reach emergency responders by phone.

▪  The pile to be burned can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.

▪  The fire needs to be at least 50 feet away from any structure or combustible material.

▪  An approved registration (permit) must be obtained.

When the fire was actually OK

Hilton Head Island hasn’t had a problem with illegal or brush fires, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Joheida Fister said Sunday.

Between Oct. 22 and Sunday, island residents were given an extension to burn their yard debris. Usually residents have two publicized days per month to burn yard debris.

Hilton Head’s burn ordinance requires that:

▪  A permit must be obtained to have an open burn and notice must be given the Town of Hilton Head Island Communications Center when the fire is about to begin.

▪  The fire may burn between sunrise and sunset but must be completely extinguished (no smoke) by sunset.

▪  Accelerants may not be used to start a fire, except charcoal lighter fluid.

In the Burton area, some people have been calling in about fires they believe to be illegal but are not, Burton Fire District spokesman Dan Byrne said. Those areas would fall under unincorporated county areas and be subject to those rules.

“If a fire is unsafe or unattended, please call,” Byrne said. “But just because you don’t like the smoke doesn’t mean the fire department is going to come put out the fire.” Those who continuously call about open fires in which there is no violation could be fined, he said.

If you’re concerned or unsure, call your local firefighters on a non-emergency line. If a fire is a threat to the safety of people or property, call 911.

This story was originally published October 31, 2016 at 9:14 AM with the headline "Before you burn hurricane debris, know the rules across Beaufort County."