Landowner will not face charges in York County wildfire

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — At least four fire departments worked to contain a growing wildfire in York County, after officials said an attempt at a controlled burn got out of control.

According to the Sharon Assistant Fire Chief, someone started the fire in the midst of a statewide burn ban, attempting to clear land on Locust Hill Road.

Later, fire officials said the landowner did not burn on Saturday and the dry conditions regnited a legal burn from nearly one month ago.

The South Carolina Forestry Service said the landowner will not be charged.

For nearly four hours Saturday afternoon, fire crews from Sharon, Hickory Grove, Bullets Creek, McConnells and Smyrna worked to control the fire.

Crews dug “fire breaks” to contain the burn, estimated at nearly 100 acres.

One firefighter was treated for minor injuries. No homes or businesses were destroyed.

An emergency management official said Sunday that crews have containment lines all around the fire. It is still smoldering and passerby may see occasional flames, but it is contained.

York County Emergency Management crews, the Sheriff’s Office, Piedmont EMS and Oakdale Fire Department also assisted.

Cox Media Group