News and Announcements

Effective immediately, Horry County Government has lifted the outdoor burning ban for the unincorporated areas of Horry County.  We ask that you continue to follow all Burning Regulations set forth by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, which can be located at http://www.state.sc.us/forest/fire.htm. All open burning in Horry County requires you to contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 1-800-986-5404, before the burn is started.

We remind our citizens that where the burn ban is not in place, we ask their consideration and due diligence when actively involved in open burning. Always remember to lean on the side of safety, and do not burn in windy or dry conditions.

 Due to Weather Conditions, Horry County Government has initiated an outdoor burning ban effective immediately for the unincorporated areas of Horry County. This ban will remain in place until further notice. The ban has been placed due to the extreme fire danger as a result of the low relative humidity and windy conditions. Any and all outdoor burning, included permitted burns, are strictly prohibited during the ban, and those involved in any open burning would be in violation of the law.

For more information on the status of the burn ban, visit horrycounty.org. 

Conway, South Carolina – Thursday, March 14, 2019: The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) intends to perform a controlled burn in the vicinity of International Drive on Monday, March 18, 2019. The controlled burn will reduce the accumulation of flammable fuels on the forest floor in accordance with SCDNR’s planned land management objectives.

This controlled burn will require a temporary road closure of International Drive, from SC Highway 90 to Ocean Bay Elementary School, for all traffic. The closure is expected to go into effect after 8:00 AM on Monday morning and will reopen Monday night. Law Enforcement will be enforcing the road closure. Access to the Horry County Solid Waste Recycling Facility will remain open but only from SC Highway 90.

This schedule is subject to change and is based upon the most current weather forecast. Please plan your travel accordingly. Alternate routes include: US Highway 501 and SC Highway 22.

Conway, South Carolina-Horry County Fire Rescue is holding a smoke alarm blitz, this Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event was previously scheduled in December but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. Firefighters will be going door-to-door installing smoke detectors in four locations around Horry County. Message boards were posted in the communities earlier this week to let local residents know about tomorrow’s event.

“Smoke detectors save lives, and we are committed to ensuring the fire and life safety of Horry County residents,” said Horry County Fire Rescue Chief Joseph Tanner. “The smoke alarm blitz has been a very successful program here, and we will continue to host these and other fire safety events in our community.”

Each of Horry County’s four battalions will be working at four different locations—

Battalion 1: Woodridge Mobile Home Park off Mineola Avenue in Little River

Battalion 2: Backwoods Mobile Home Park off Peachtree Rd. in Socastee

Battalion 3: Saddlebrook Mobile Home Park off Long Avenue Extension

Battalion 4: Chase Street off Hwy 917

Residents who would like to request a smoke alarm can fill out the online request form here.

Horry County, South Carolina - Did you know, in less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire? Your risk of injury or death in a home fire changes with age. If you have young children or older adults living in your home, they may need your help to stay safe. Here are some important ways to keep your home and your loved ones safe from fire.

Fire Safety If You Smoke

• Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths for adults 65 and over. It is also the third leading cause of fire injuries for older adults
• If you smoke, smoke outside.
• Never smoke in bed, while drowsy, or while under the influence of medication or alcohol.
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

• Before you throw out your cigarette butts and ashes, make sure they are completely cool. Put them in water or a can that is filled with sand.
• Check furniture and places where people smoke for smoldering cigarette butts and ashes—especially before going to bed.
• Never smoke where medical oxygen is used, even if it is turned off.
• Keep smoking materials, including lighters and cigarettes, up high and out of the reach of children. Use child safety locks where you store your smoking materials.

Fire Safe Cooking

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires in America. Many older adults also experience burn-related injuries during cooking. Prevent fires and burns by being watchful and alert when you cook.

• Don’t cook if you are sleepy, have consumed alcohol, or have taken medicine or drugs that make you drowsy.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• Keep cooking surfaces clean and free from anything that can catch fire.
• Never lean over a lit burner.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves while cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire if it touches a gas flame or an electric burner.
• Check the kitchen after you finish cooking. Make sure the oven, burners, and other appliances are off.

• If a fire starts, stay calm and get out. Once out, call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s telephone. Have an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your house where first responders can see you.

Practice Electrical Safety

Older homes are more likely to catch fire from electrical causes than newer homes. Older wiring may not have the capacity to safely handle newer appliances and equipment and may not have updated safety features.

• Electrical work should only be done by a licensed electrician.
• Check all electrical appliances often. Replace cracked, damaged, and loose electrical cords.
• Replace outlets if plugs do not fit snugly or the outlet does not accept plugs with one blade larger than the other.
• Major appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• Plug only one high-wattage appliance into an outlet at a time, even if the outlet has space for two plugs.
• Avoid using extension cords. Have a licensed electrician determine if additional outlets are needed.
• Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous situation occurs. Have a licensed electrician install them in your home.
• Find reasons for blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers. Have a licensed electrician inspect and correct the problem.
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or light fixture.

Every year in America nearly 3,000 people die in home fires. Many of these people die in homes that do not have working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms warn you and your family when there is a fire. They can save your life!

As always, if there is a fire emergency, call 9-1-1 as soon as possible and remain outdoors. Never return inside a burning building to retrieve an item.