South Carolina Town Damaged by Wildfire Seeks to Ban Open Burning

Leaders of a South Carolina community charred by a wildfire earlier this year are taking steps to prevent such a tragedy from happening again –and make residents feel safer.

Multiple media outlets report that the North Myrtle Beach city council this week unanimously voted to give initial approval to an ordinance banning open, uncontained burning.

A burn ban has been in effect since a wildfire last spring destroyed 76 homes and damaged 78 others.

The new ordinance would prohibit city residents from setting uncontained fires outside. Violators could face fines up to $500, 30 days in jail or both.

The April 23 wildfire started when a trash fire set four days before rekindled. It caused a total estimated cost of $19 million in damage.