U.S. Forest Service Conducts Prescribed Burn in Berkeley County

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–If you smell or see smoke in the northern part of the county, it’s likely coming from the U.S. Forest Service.

The agency is burning today in Berkeley County off Halfway Creek Road and Buckle Island Road.

The Forest Service expects they may have to close Halfway Creek Road temporarily during the burn, county officials stated.

Smoke will be heading toward the Shulerville community and Highway 45.

Professionals intentionally ignite prescribed fires when weather conditions allow the fire to burn slow and “cool” rather than hot and fast. The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests have used prescribed fire as the primary method to achieve forest health and management objects since the 1950s.

Prescribed fire makes the forests safer because it reduces the risk of severe wildfires, according to the U.S. Forest Service.