Burn Permits

What are the two types of burn permits that can be issued?

Residential Burn

Open burning performed with the approval of the fire chief at the site of a one or two family dwelling unit for the purpose of disposing of natural vegetation generated at that location. Lumber, garbage, and other non natural vegetation may not be burned.

Open burning may occur on the date listed on the permit between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever occurs first. All open burning fires shall be fully extinguished by 6:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever occurs first. Remember, if it is smoking it is not OUT.

Open burning permits may be issued for the first Sunday through Saturday and the third Sunday through Saturday of each month.

Open burning permits may be applied for any day of the week at any town fire station between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No more than one permit shall be issued at a time to a property address. Any person, who obtains an open burning permit prior to the actual burn day, shall call the fire and rescue division's automated burning permit telephone line at (843) 341-4714 on the day they intend to burn to determine if burning is allowed on that day.

Recreational Fire

A fire contained within a pit, barrel, or other non-combustible enclosure for the purpose of pleasure, religious, ceremonial, or other similar purposes.

Recreational fire permits are valid for the day of burning between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and Midnight. All recreational fires shall be fully extinguished by midnight.

Recreational fire permits may be applied for any day of the week at any town fire station between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No more than one permit will be issued at a time to a property address. Any person, who obtains a recreational fire permit prior to the actual fire day, shall call the fire and rescue division's automated burning permit telephone line at (843) 341-4714 on the day they intend to burn to determine if burning is allowed on that day.

How Do I get a burn permit?

Burn permits can be picked up at any fire station. Then you must call the burn permit line on the day you want to burn to determine if burning is allowed on that particular day. That number is (843) 341-4714.

Even though it may be a designated burn day, anticipated weather conditions (especially high wind forecasts) might prohibit you from burning. The number to call on the day you want to burn is also listed on the burn permit.

How much can I burn?

There is a limit. Residents cannot burn a pile wider than 3 feet or higher than 2 feet. Burning must be at least 50 feet from any structure.

What if I live in a gated community or plantation?

Anyone who lives in a neighborhood with a POA, will need to verify with their POA. Fire & Rescue does not monitor individual POA rules and may issue a permit by mistake. Don't violate your POA rules.

Is there a penalty if I don't follow the rules?

Yes, you could be fined $1092.50

What if I am burning just for recreational purposes?

The person performing the burning needs to have an approved permit in their possession. Attendance by a competent adult who is capable of controlling the fire, taking emergency action, and calling for assistance is required at the site at all times.

The person performing the open burning or recreational fire shall maintain a garden hose connected to a water supply where water is available. If water is not available, then on-site fire extinguishing equipment shall be on-hand to control and extinguish the burn/fire.

Open burning and recreational fires are restricted to burning natural vegetation, commercially prepared fireplace logs and charcoal but does not include rubbish.

Open burning shall not be conducted within 50 feet of any structure or stored combustible material except that burning shall be allowed if in an approved waste burner located greater than 15 feet from any structure or combustible material.

No open burning permit shall be issued for a total pile fuel area greater than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Only one total pile fuel area may burn at a time.

Permits are not required for outdoor fixed and portable barbecues located at public parks and residential properties. Also exempted are approved outdoor fireplaces, food smoking units, and outdoor cooking stoves. Store bought chimenea's and fire pits fall into the approved outdoor fireplace category.

Municpal Code for Sections:

Sec. 9-7-10. - Definitions.
Sec. 9-7-20. - Permit not required.
Sec. 9-7-30. - Permit required.
Sec. 9-7-40. - Commercial burning.
Sec. 9-7-50. - Special permit burning.
Sec. 9-7-60. - Violations.

Burn Information: (843)341-4714

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