Around this time last year, a massive Horry County wildfire was started by a man who was burning outdoor debris.
COLUMBIA -- With the warm temperatures, a lot of people have been working on their yards. Often times, they burn outdoor debris as part of spring clean-up.
But the South Carolina Forestry Department wants people to think about safety when they burn.
Around this time last year, a massive Horry County wildfire was started by a man who was burning outdoor debris.
On Tuesday, the South Carolina Forestry Commission started an outdoor burn for us to show the proper way to handle one.
Officials say before you even light the match, you need to build a firebreak around the area you plan to burn.
Make sure you have rakes, shovels and water handy. And most importantly, stay with the fire until you know it's out.
"One of the biggest problems is people start fires, then go inside for a cold one," says Mike Bozzo of the Forestry Commission. "But it's still smoldering, and embers can spread. Then you have an out of control debris burn."
Another thing to keep in mind is, only residents of unincorporated areas are allowed to burn. And if you do plan on burning, you are required by state law to notify the Forestry Commission.
Click here for more information on how to do that.
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