Where can you have a fire on the SC coast in the Myrtle Beach area? Your guide to beach fires
Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or simply enjoying the glow, there’s no cozier way to spend an evening at the beach than huddled around a fire.
While most of the Myrtle Beach area prohibits fires on the beach, there are several areas where you can safely and legally have a beach fire of your own. Here’s what you need to know.
Safety practices
No matter where you set up your fire, it’s critical that the fire is attended at all times and there’s a firebreak around the burning site.
On Grand Strand Beaches, the grass on the dunes is flammable, so it’s important to keep fires contained and away from the dry grass.
Legal areas in SC
In Pawleys Island, you can obtain a one-day permit for a fire on the beach for cooking purposes. Only charcoal can be burned and the fire must be contained in a sand pit. It’s also important to note that if you obtain a permit, you’re responsible for litter and damages, and violations will run you a minimum of $50.
In unincorporated Georgetown County fires are allowed on the beach, but some communities restrict open burning. If you’re in an area with additional community rules, it’s a good idea to check local regulations with the homeowner’s association or neighborhood, a county spokesperson said.
South Carolina law requires that you notify the Forestry Commission at 800-986-5256 before starting a fire outdoors in areas outside of cities and towns, like in the unincorporated areas of Georgetown County.
Additionally, you must inform the Georgetown County dispatch number at 843-527-6763 before starting a fire on the beach, sharing the location of the fire and a phone number to contact you.
To start a fire on an unincorporated Georgetown County beach, you should use a shovel or rake to create a shallow pit to control the fire, use 5-gallon buckets to carry your firewood to the beach and fill the buckets with water to extinguish the flame.
Illegal Areas
In Horry County, fires, grills and releasing Chinese lanterns is prohibited on beaches and beach accesses.
In Myrtle Beach, all fires are prohibited on beaches, including barbecues and bonfires.
In North Myrtle Beach, it’s illegal to have fires and open flames on public beaches, beach accesses, street ends adjacent to the beach and other government-owned land adjacent to the beach. It’s also unlawful to use propane-fired grills, cookers and heating devices powered by fire in these areas.
In Surfside Beach, it’s unlawful to have open wood campfires on public beaches, beach accesses, street ends adjacent to the beach and other town-owned land adjacent to the beach, unless you have a special permit. However, the town does allow food preparation with propane-fired grills and other cookers fueled by fire.
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 6:00 AM.