Your guide to bonfire rules and fire safety in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort
Nothing defines summer more than evening bonfires, s’more making and hot dog grill-offs.
With these activities embodying the epitome of summer fun, they can unfortunately cause some safety concerns if things get a bit too out of hand.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, gas and charcoal grills cause a combined total of over 10,000 home fires in the United States each year.
The peak months for grill and bonfire-related incidents are May through August.
While these activities are family favorites for summer celebrations, Fourth of July parties and much more, there are certain safety tips to keep in mind — no matter if you consider yourself a grill master or a newbie.
Here’s what to keep in mind when you grill or host a bonfire this summer:
Fire Pit & Bonfire Safety Tips
Major cities within Beaufort County offer different rules and protocols for those seeking some outdoor fun.
Here are the rules for the cities of Bluffton, Hilton Head and Beaufort if you want to hold a bonfire:
Bluffton
The Town of Bluffton defines a bonfire as anything burning outdoors that is larger than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in height.
Bonfires and fire pits are considered recreational fires, which means the fire should be contained within a pit, barrel or other noncombustible enclosure.
A bonfire cannot be conducted within 100 feet of a structure or combustible material and can’t burn past midnight.
There are also height limits: a bonfire cannot be more than 6 feet high by 12 feet in any ground dimension and shall not burn longer than 3 hours.
Hilton Head
If you’re hoping to host a bonfire on the beach, think again. No fires are allowed anywhere on the beaches in Hilton Head. Here are some other rules to keep in mind, too:
A fire size cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
The fire must be located at least 25 feet from a structure or stored combustible material.
Fires that illuminate the beach must be extinguished before 10 p.m. from May 1 to Oct. 31.
Beaufort
In the City of Beaufort, many of the same rules apply with a few specific tweaks:
The burn pile shall be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
The burning of multiple piles is prohibited.
Other practical tips to keep in mind, no matter where you have a fire pit or bonfire, include:
Keep a hose, shovel, or fire extinguisher nearby to extinguish the fire completely when done.
Never leave a fire unattended. Always have a responsible person present.
Keep fire pits at least 10-20 feet away from structures, trees, shrubs, fences and other flammable objects.
Consider wind direction when positioning the fire pit to prevent embers from blowing toward structures or dry areas.
Place fire pits on flat, non-flammable surfaces, away from structures, trees and overhanging branches.
Stick to approved fuels (e.g., dry firewood, fire pit-specific logs) to avoid dangerous chemicals and excessive smoke and avoid burning trash, plastics, or treated wood.
Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
Ensure the fire is fully out before leaving the area, using water or a fire blanket to extinguish all embers.
Store fire pit tools and fuels away from the fire pit, out of reach of children and in cool, dry areas.
Clean and inspect your fire pit often.
Fire pits and portable fireplaces do not require a notice to the SC Forestry Commission.
If you’re going to have a large bonfire that is not within a contained structure, state law requires anyone burning outdoors to contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission hotline to ensure weather conditions are safe to burn.
In Beaufort County, that number is: 1-800-895-7062. The recording on the line will determine if conditions are safe.
Grill Regulations & Safety Tips
While operating a grill involves many of the same fire safety protocols as a bonfire, there are often parts of owning and using a grill that can slip through the cracks, often leading to trouble.
Here are some tips for both gas a charcoal grills:
Place grills on a flat, non-flammable surface, far away from walls, fences, trees or overhanging branches.
Never grill inside a garage, even with the door open.
Regularly check gas lines for leaks.
Clean grease traps and grates to prevent flare-ups and maintain the grill’s efficiency.
Always stay near the grill while it’s on, especially when cooking with high heat or when grilling fatty foods that can cause flare-ups.
Allow coals to cool completely before disposing of them, using a metal container for storage.
Do not pour water directly onto coals, as it can cause hot ash to fly out.
If you smell gas while cooking, turn off the grill and the gas supply, then check for leaks or damage before reusing it.
For both grills and fire pits, it is recommended to have fire safety kits with a fire extinguisher, water source and first aid kit readily accessible when grilling or using a fire pit.
In Beaufort County, you do not need to notify the SC Forestry Commission or other fire safety personnel for fires used for food preparation in approved enclosures like grills, portable outdoor fireplaces or permanent fire pits constructed of noncombustible materials.
If you’re looking into purchasing or setting up a fire pit or grill and live within an HOA or POA community, make sure to check community guidelines beforehand to avoid any fines or issues.
What if you’re using a grill or fire pit at your rental location?
If you’re just visiting, some rental properties, especially in popular areas like Palmetto Dunes, do not allow charcoal or gas grills. Be sure to check with your rental provider or the front desk to confirm.
Some rental locations do offer communal grills for use, so check with your respective location.
Reporting & Compliance
Report Violations: To report illegal open burning or safety concerns in Beaufort County, contact the SC Forestry Commission at 1-800-895-7062.
Local Enforcement: For issues within unincorporated areas of Beaufort County, reach out to the Beaufort County Code Enforcement Office.
To learn about fire safety tips all year long, click here.
