Statewide burn ban remains in place as firefighters battle fire on Table Rock Mountain
The Pickens County Chronicle wants to keep readers informed.
Please read about the Table Rock fire and daily updates below.
Photos of the Table Rock fire taken Friday night, March 21, 2025 by Jeff Durham, Captain at Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department, courtesy to The Pickens County Chronicle
FRIDAY, MARCH 21:
Shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice of an active brush fire in Table Rock State Park and asked that all unnecessary traffic stay away from the area. Close to midnight, Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship gave a video update about the Table Rock Forest Fire. “We did have deputies up on Table Rock today from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office as well as some canine units from Richland County Sheriff’s Office. They were continuing the search for Stephanie Womacks, but, unfortunately, their search was cut short due to the negligent act of some hikers that led to the forest fire. Our deputies actually barely escaped the fire. We’re very blessed that they were uninjured, but it was a very scary situation for them. The young men that are responsible for the fire have been identified. The investigation is continuing by agents and detectives with the Sheriff’s Office, as well as those with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, and the appropriate charges will be discussed and made at a later date. The volunteer search party that was supposed to take place tomorrow, on Saturday, has been cancelled due to the forest fire. So, please join me in praying for the families of the first responders that are going to be monitoring that fire tonight as well as those that are going to be out tomorrow trying to make sure that that fire doesn’t spread to our surrounding communities. Thank you so much for your prayers and your support and have a blessed night.”
Photos of the Table Rock fire taken Friday, March 21, 2025 by Jeff Durham, Captain at Holly Springs Fire Department, courtesy to The Pickens County Chronicle
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 UPDATE:
The following is a press release from Pickens County on Saturday, March 22:
“On Friday March 21, 2025 at approximately 5:45pm, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call from Law Enforcement Officers who were searching for Stephanie Womacks, who went missing earlier this month, reporting a fire at Table Rock State Park. The location of the fire trapped the deputies and a number of hikers for a period of time. Fortunately, the presence of emergency personnel with the Sheriff’s Office and Table Rock State Park allowed them to account for and rescue everyone with no injuries.
“Personnel from Pickens County Emergency Services Fire Division, the SC Forestry Commission, Table Rock State Park, and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to begin fire suppression operations. Air operations were able to make a water drop and begin containing the fire while hand crews began accessing the fire. Crews remained on scene until 2 a.m. Saturday March 22.
“Currently, 40 personnel from Pickens County, the SC Forestry Commission, the U.S. Forest Service, Greenville Water System, SC State Fire and the Greenville County Emergency Response Team are on scene beginning day operations which will consist of continued water drops from Forestry Commission air tankers and a helicopter from the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as well as ground crew operations to construct fire breaks around the fire.
“The fire is currently contained to the top of Table Rock and has burned approximately 10 acres. At this time, no evacuations are expected, however; people living in the area should remain vigilant and prepared should they become necessary. Updates will be provided throughout the day as the operations progress.
“As a precaution and to allow for fire operations, all trail systems at Table Rock State Park are closed, and the public is asked to avoid the area around Table Rock. Residents may see an increase in smoky conditions in the area throughout the day.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the SC Forestry Commission Law Enforcement Division. Four teenagers have been questioned, and charges are pending.
“Citizens are reminded that a statewide outdoor burning ban is in effect for the entire state until further notice.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 PRESS RELEASE FROM GOVERNOR HENRY MCMASTER:
Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2025-14, declaring a State of Emergency to support South Carolina’s ongoing response to the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County. The order bolsters emergency efforts as firefighters work to contain the fire. Additionally, the order states that a ban on outdoor burning will remain in effect until further notice.
“As this wildfire continues to spread, the State of Emergency allows us to mobilize resources quickly and ensure our firefighters have the support they need to protect lives and property,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Given the elevated risk of wildfires throughout the state, the statewide burning ban will remain in effect until further notice. Anyone who violates this ban can and will go to jail.”
The Table Rock Fire, which ignited Friday, is estimated at 35-plus acres and continues to grow. Personnel from the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), The Nature Conservancy, Greenville Water, the USDA Forest Service, and local fire departments are working to contain the fire.
Currently, four aircraft are providing aviation support, including one SCFC airplane surveying the fire, two SCFC single-engine air tankers dropping water, and one SLED helicopter using a Bambi bucket to drop water.
On March 21, 2025, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires.
“We always urge all South Carolinians to stay vigilant against wildfire, but the best way people can do that right now is to take seriously – and abide by – the Forestry Commission’s current statewide burning ban,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “As we warned when issuing the ban yesterday, weather conditions across the state are presenting a greatly elevated risk for wildfire, and we’re seeing that play out at the Table Rock Fire and elsewhere.”
South Carolina State Parks has announced that all trails at Table Rock State Park are closed until further notice.
Residents are urged to stay informed through local channels and to report any debris fires to local fire and law enforcement authorities immediately.
6 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 22 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Aerial and ground operations continue on top of Table Rock. A spot fire has started between Table Rock and the Stool. Additional ground crews will be taking over operations into the evening. Aerial operations will continue until sundown, and enhanced aerial operations will begin tomorrow morning. A fire break has been established at High Low Gap.
“White Oak campground bas been evacuated. At this time, there are no other evacuation orders for this area. However, the public is advised to remain prepared in case an evacuation becomes necessary.
“We will provide additional information as new information becomes available.
7:25 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 22 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
“At this time, SC Forestry Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Greenville Water System, The Nature Conservancy, and Pickens County fire crews continue to work the wildland fire at Table Rock State Park. Crews are also being assisted by personnel provided by SC State Fire’s Firefighter mobilization program. Due to high winds, low humidity, and increased fuel load due to debris from Hurricane Helene, the fire has increased to about 100 acres. Hand crews and tractors will continue to operate into the evening working to contain the fire. As a precaution, the White Oaks Campground at Table Rock State Park has been evacuated. Residents who live in the area of Back Park Road, Country Creek Drive, Weaver Creek Trail, Kalijah Lane, Lynne Way, Dry Lake Road, Curtis Way, Shepherds Springs Drive, & Gnome Hi Lane are also asked to evacuate. Law enforcement officers will be contacting residents in the area in person to advise them of the evacuation. A shelter is being set up at the Holly Springs Community Center (the old elementary school at 120 Holly Springs School Road).
“Traffic on SC Highway 11 has become hazardous with on lookers. In the interest of public safety, citizens are asked to avoid the area to reduce traffic and give crews room to operate safely.
“People in the surrounding areas will see an increase in smoke conditions in the area throughout the evening.
“Governor McMaster has declared a State of Emergency due to this on going incident and increased fire danger throughout the state.
“Pickens County Sheriff’s Office will be providing security throughout the duration of this incident.”
7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 22 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“At this time, SC Forestry Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Greenville Water System, The Nature Conservancy, and Pickens County fire crews continue to work the wildland fire at Table Rock State Park. Crews are also being assisted by personnel provided by SC State Fire’s Firefighter mobilization program. Due to high winds, low humidity, and increased fuel load due to debris from Hurricane Helene, the fire has increased to about 100 acres. Hand crews and tractors will continue to operate into the evening working to contain the fire. As a precaution, the White Oaks Campground at Table Rock State Park has been evacuated. Residents who live in the area of Back Park Road, Country Creek Drive, Weaver Creek Trail, Kalijah Lane, Lynne Way, Dry Lake Road, Curtis Way, Shepherds Springs Drive, & Gnome Hi Lane are also asked to evacuate. A shelter is being set up at the Holly Springs Community Center (the old elementary school). You may see a presence of deputies going door to door notifying residents of the evacuation.
“Traffic on SC Highway 11 has become hazardous with on lookers. In the interest of public safety, citizens are asked to avoid the area to reduce traffic and give crews room to operate safely.
“People in the surrounding areas will see an increase in smoke conditions in the area throughout the evening.
“Governor McMaster has declared a State of Emergency due to this ongoing incident and increased fire danger throughout the state.”
10:15 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 22 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Ground and tractor crews will be ceasing operations for the night due to the danger of reduced visibly on the fire lines at night. Operations will resume Sunday morning with additional tractor and hand crews as well and enhanced air support utilizing Blackhawk and Schnook helicopters as well as air tankers. The fire currently stands at approximately 110 acres. Fire behavior has reduced somewhat as night has fallen. The fire will be monitored throughout the night.
“Due to operations tomorrow, the public is strongly urged to avoid the area of SC Highway 11 as traffic will hamper emergency vehicle travel, and smoke conditions may affect visibility making driving dangerous.
“The evacuations will remain in place until further notice. Law Enforcement Officers will be patrolling the evacuated area throughout the night.
“Fire departments from the entire county have answered numerous calls for outdoor burning over the last 24 hours. The public is reminded of a statewide outdoor burn ban until further notice.”
7 A.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM SHERIFF TOMMY BLANKENSHIP:
Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship, in a video update, asked Pickens County residents to not stop along Highway 11.
“I just wanted to reach out to everybody and ask a huge favor. We are going to have emergency personnel working Highway 11. The Forestry Commission is going to be doing some back burning, and I’m going to have to ask you to make sure that Highway 11 traffic keeps moving. We can’t have anybody parking on the side of the roadway, creating traffic hazards or impeding our emergency personnel, because they’re going to need all that access and egress so that they can cut some fire lines, do some back burning, try to keep this fire away from getting into contact with anybody’s homes. We’re going to have deputies out there to keep the traffic moving. They’re going to make sure nobody has access to any of the northside homes. We had guys up here all night long, protecting these homes, making sure that no unwanted visitors were showing up while we had that evacuation in place. I greatly appreciate your participation. Have a blessed day and keep all our first responders in your prayers. God bless.”
8 A.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Fire spread was minimal overnight due to increased humidity and lower winds. Ground operations will commence at 10 a.m. with air support beginning around 11 a.m. Base camp has been established utilizing resources from SC Forestry, SC State Fire, Pickens County Emergency Services, and Greenville County Emergency Management. Pickens County fire crews are being assisted by firefighters from neighboring fire departments through the Firefighter Mobilization program. Two weeks ago, Pickens County provided response to the wildfires in Horry County through this same agreement.
“Citizens are advised to avoid SC Highway 11 in the fire area to allow emergency crews to work. Citizens will see increased smoke in the area.
“A reminder that a statewide burning ban remains in effect indefinitely.”
10:30 A.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD:
“U.S. Army Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard out of McEntire Joint National Guard Base, March 23, 2025. Led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Painter, four aircrew members prepare one UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter supporting the South Carolina Forestry Commission with fire suppression at Table Rock, Pickens County. The South Carolina National Guard is committed to supporting local and state agencies. Always ready, always there!
11:30 A.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
“As of 10 a.m., resources and personnel from Pickens County Emergency Services, the SC Forestry Commission, SC State Fire, SC Firefighter Mobilization, SCDNR, Greenville Water System, Greenville County Emergency Management, U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, and Table Rock State Park continue to work to contain the fire and provide security at Table Rock.
“Currently, the fire has burned approximately 300 acres. Current evacuations remain in effect. No further evacuations are expected, however; residents in the area should remain prepared and monitor local news and social media if conditions should change. In the event further evacuations are necessary, law enforcement will make personal contact with residents and a reverse 911 call will be sent out from Pickens County.
“This morning, ground and dozer crews continued working to construct fire containment lines along the eastern edge of the fire. Air support including Fire Boss scooper planes, SC Forestry Commission aviation, a helicopter from SLED and an SC Army National Guard Blackhawk will began around 11 a.m. The aircraft will be providing water drops to assist in containing the fire.
“Later this morning, Forestry crews will begin conducting backfire operations where fires will be set to burn out unburned fuel between uninvolved areas and the fire. 25 firefighters and seven fire engines and three brush trucks will be on scene to protect any property near this operation.
“Pickens County Council has declared a State of Emergency for the County to provide all necessary resources for emergency crews to respond to this incident.
“Residents and motorists should avoid SC Highway 11 as smoky conditions will make driving hazardous and on looker traffic will hamper emergency traffic in the area. As a precaution, the Grant Overlook is closed at this time. If motorists must travel Highway 11, they are reminded to use extreme caution and avoid stopping along the roadside.
“Citizens are reminded that a statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23 FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Citizens who wish to help through donations may drop off items at the Holly Springs Fire Department at 2239 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Pickens. Items needed are bottled water, snacks including fresh fruit, socks, Chapstick, eye drops, bandannas, sinus wash solution, safety glasses, baby wipes, and batteries.”
1:15 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“There have been no significant changes. Burn out operations have commenced and are going well at present.”
4 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Emergency agencies continue to work to contain the wildfire at Table Rock State Park. The fire has burned over 700 acres. Crews are conducting a 150 acre back burn operation to burn out unburned fuel between uninvolved areas of the fire and the main fire. These operations are currently going as planned.
“Tractor crews and hand crews continue to construct fire lines to contain the fire utilizing some lines that were established during the Pinnacle Mountain fire of 2016. Debris left by Hurricane Helene is hampering access and providing increased fuel load.
“Air operations are limited at this time as some aircraft have been diverted to another large wildfire near Persimmon Ridge in Greenville County.
“Evacuations remain in effect at this time. Although residents may see periodic increases in fire activity throughout the day, no further evacuations are expected. Residents are advised to remain aware of the situation by monitoring local news and social media and be prepared to evacuate if it should become necessary.
“Table Rock State Park has closed all trail systems, White Oaks Campground, Lake Oolenoy, Lake Pinnacle, and day use visitation.
“Residents and motorists should avoid SC Highway 11 as smoky conditions will make driving hazardous and on looker traffic will hamper emergency traffic in the area. As a precaution, the Grant Overlook is closed at this time. If motorists must travel on Highway 11, they are reminded to use extreme caution and avoid stopping along the roadside.
“Citizens are reminded that the statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice.
“Citizens who wish to help through donations may drop off items at the Holly Springs Fire Department at 2239 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC. Items needed are bottled water, snacks including fresh fruit, socks, Chapstick, eye drops, bandannas, sinus wash solution, safety glasses, baby wipes & batteries.
“The county recycling center near Table Rock will be closed Monday.”
8:32 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office expressed “sincerest gratitude for the generosity of our community” in donating many items on Sunday afternoon. “Moving forward there are some items that will be utilized daily in mass quantities. We would like to ask that you shift your focus to the following list for donations: to-go plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, Ziploc bags (sandwich size), brown paper bags (lunch sack size), Clorox wipes, foam plates. “Holly Springs Fire Department will accept all donations from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thank you again for your massive outpouring of support for our first responders.”
10 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Emergency agencies continue to work to contain the wildfire at Table Rock State Park. The fire has now burned over 1000 acres. The back burn operation has been successful throughout the day and will continue into Sunday night. Residents may notice an increase in fire behavior during this time due to the darkness. Firefighters manning fire engines and brush units will remain on scene to monitor this situation and protect property near the site.
“Tractor crews and hand crews made good progress throughout the day constructing fire lines to contain the fire utilizing some lines that were established during the Pinnacle Mountain fire of 2016. Debris left by Hurricane Helen has made this process difficult.
“Limited air operations will continue until sundown.
“Evacuations remain in effect at this time. No further evacuations are expected. Residents are advised to remain aware of the situation by monitoring local news and social media and be prepared to evacuate if it should become necessary.
“Table Rock State Park has closed all trail systems, White Oaks Campground, Lake Oolenoy, Lake Pinnacle and day use visitation until further notice.
“Heavy traffic along SC Highway 11 has hampered response and caused hazardous driving conditions. Heavy smoke conditions along the road have compounded difficult travel along the route. Residents and motorists should avoid the area. As a precaution, the Grant Overlook is closed at this time.
“Citizens are reminded that the statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice.
“Citizens who wish to help through donations may drop off items at the Holly Springs Fire Department at 2239 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC. Items needed are bottled water, snacks including fresh fruit, socks, Chapstick, eye drops, bandannas, sinus wash solution, safety glasses, baby wipes & batteries.
“The county recycling center near Table Rock will be closed Monday.
“See below for a map of the affected area.”
10:43 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 23 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
“Due to traffic remaining at high levels after nightfall, Highway 11 will be closed between New Hope Road and West Gate Road during nighttime hours.”
9 A.M. MONDAY, MARCH 24 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
“Air and ground operations were temporarily suspended overnight. The fire has now burned over 1,058 acres. Yesterday, three miles of back burning was completed. More controlled back burning continues today. Residents may notice an increase in fire behavior. Engine and brush truck crews are staged to protect property in the area.
“Dozer crews and hand crews made good progress yesterday and will continue constructing fire lines around the Dry Lake Road area, extending to the Greenville Water System property.
“Air operations are scheduled to resume this morning.
“Evacuations remain in effect at this time. No further evacuations are expected. Residents are advised to remain aware of the situation by monitoring local news and social media and be prepared to evacuate if it should become necessary.
“Table Rock State Park has closed all trail systems, White Oaks Campground, Lake Oolenoy, Lake Pinnacle, and day use visitation until further notice.
“Heavy traffic along SC Highway 11 has hampered response and caused hazardous driving conditions. Heavy smoke conditions along the road have compounded difficult travel along the route. Residents and motorists should avoid the area. As a precaution, the Grant Meadow Overlook is closed at this time.
“Citizens are reminded that the statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice.
“The county recycling center near Table Rock will be closed Monday.”
MONDAY, MARCH 24 ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GOVERNOR HENRY MCMASTER:
“Governor Henry McMaster today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved South Carolina’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to support efforts to contain the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County.
12:01 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 24 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
“Thank you once again for showing up and showing out to support our first responders. We have just received word that there is an overabundance of water and donations for that particular item can cease at this time. Thank you Pickens!”
2 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 24 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Engine and brush truck crews are staged to protect property in the area.
“Air operations are delayed due to weather.
“Evacuations remain in effect at this time. No further evacuations are expected. Residents are advised to remain aware of the situation by monitoring local news and social media and be prepared to evacuate if it should become necessary.
“Table Rock State Park has closed all trail systems, White Oaks Campground, Lake Oolenoy, Lake Pinnacle, and day use visitation until further notice.
“Heavy traffic along SC Highway 11 has hampered response and caused hazardous driving conditions. Heavy smoke conditions along the road have compounded difficult travel along the route. Residents and motorists should avoid the area. As a precaution, the Grant Overlook is closed at this time.
“Citizens are reminded that the statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice.
“The county recycling center near Table Rock will be closed Monday.”
7 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 24 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY:
“Fire activity was minimal throughout the day due to weather. With two fires in close proximity, SC Forestry has now classified two fires as a complex fire, which means the two fires are running from one incident command post. Air operations began this afternoon. Forestry anticipates fire activity increasing at Table Rock overnight into tomorrow due to low humidity and high overnight winds. Crews will be in the area overnight to respond quickly if necessary.
“Table Rock recycling center will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25.”
7:56 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 24 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
“Today has been a very busy day for the command post and crew on the ground. Due to the weather (i.e. low cloud coverage preventing visibility for pilots), air operations reconvened this afternoon. Air operations had a heavy focus on the Persimmon Ridge fire in Greenville County due to its proximity to houses near Caesars Head. The Table Rock crews focused on defining strong fire break lines. With the two fires being in such close proximity, SC Forestry Commission has now classified this as a COMPLEX fire. This classification means that they are working both fires from the one incident command post at the Wesleyan Camp.
“The SC Forestry Commission is anticipating the Table Rock fire to increase in activity overnight and into tomorrow due to low humidity conditions and high winds overnight and into tomorrow. There will be fire crews in the area overnight to quick respond if necessary.
In coordination with Greenville County Emergency Management, South Carolina Forestry Commission, and SCEMD, we have started a joint information center. There will be two media releases per day, one in the morning and one after operations cease in the afternoon.
“We ask that you still make every attempt to avoid unnecessary traffic on Highway 11 between West Gate Road and New Hope Road for the safety of all involved. If you must travel this corridor, please keep traffic moving so that it does not become necessary to set up detour routes to ensure the safety of citizens and first responders.
“PCSO will continue to provide 24-hour security of the incident scene and evacuated areas in our county. Thank you for your continued support of our first responders.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY: NEW ROADS ADDED TO MANDATORY EVACUATION
A mandatory evacuation is in place for the following roads (Note: New roads added 3/26):
Ashtabula Rd
Asia Li Ln
Audies Camp Rd
Back Park Rd
Bethany Cove Dr
Bethel Ter
Between the Lakes Rd
Bird Song Trl
Blue Mountain Way
Bluff Ridge Rd
Bobcat Dr
Bridle Dr
Burgess Gap Rd
Busted Rock Rd
Caesars Head Hwy
Chaney Hill Rd
Cherry Blossom Ln
Chief Outacite Ln
Cisson Ridge Rd
Cold Mountain View
Compass Rose Rd
Cougar Trl
Country Creek Dr
Cripple Creek Rd
Crystal Creek Ct
Cunne Shote Rd
Curts Way
Dogwood Mountain Rd
Dry Lake Rd
Duckwood Ln
Elizabeth Dr
Epworth Hill Cir
Fish Hawk Rd
Gaines Lodge Rd
Gnome Hill Ln
Green Acres Dr
Gum Gap Access Trl
Gum Gap Trl
Happy Acres Rd
Hardin Rd
Hardwood Ln
Hatchery Ln
Hemlock Ln
Hummingbird Ter
Hunters Dr
Hwy 11
Jane’s Ln
Kalijah Ln
Lakeside Shelter Rd
Ledge Rd
Lifeguard Ln
Locust Rdg
Lodge View Rd
Lynne Way
Mary Fraser Way
Mastes Valley Ln
Misty Mountain Way
Mohawk Dr
Mulligan Ford Hill Rd
Old Chimney Ln
Pinnacle Pavilion Rd
Pleasant Grove Rd
Prayer Mountain Rd
Pumpkin Ln
Pumpkin Mountain Rd
Rainfall Ct
Raven Cliff Rd
Raven Ct
Rescue Access Rd
Ridge Springs Rd
River Bluff Rd
River Rd
Rock Cliffe Trl
Rockcrest Rd
Rockcrest Rdg
Rockview Ct
Rocky Rd
S Saluda Rd
Saluda Hill Rd
Saluda Shore Dr
Scenic Cir
Shepherd Springs Dr
Shop Rd
State Line Rd
T R Campground Rd
Table Rock State Park Rd
Trinity Trl
Turkey Mountain Rd
Tuscarora Loop
Unnamed Rd
Walker Creek Dr
Wayside Dr
Weaver Creek Trl
Wesley Meadow Ln
West Gate Rd
White Oaks Ln
Wild Brook Dr
Winding Trl
Windward Ct
Wotawok Trl
6:50 P.M. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 UPDATE FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA FORESTRY COMMISSION:
A burning ban is STILL IN EFFECT STATEWIDE.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 UPDATE FROM SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION REGARDING AIR QUALITY:
Even if you aren’t close to a wildfire, you can still be affected by the smoke it produces. Smoke can travel hundreds of miles, which can hurt your air quality. By following these steps, you can help protect yourself.
9:29 A.M. FRIDAY, MARCH 28 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF TOMMY BLANKENSHIP:
Click on the play button below to hear from our Sheriff:
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 PRESS CONFERENCE WITH GOVERNOR HENRY MCMASTER, STATE SENATOR REX RICE, STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVEY HIOTT, AND MORE STATE OFFICIALS.
Click on the play button below to listen to the press conference.
2 P.M. FRIDAY, MARCH 28, PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVITES COMMUNITY TO JOIN IN TIME OF PRAYER AT 8:30 A.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 29 AT SUNRISE CEMETERY (CITY CEMETERY) IN PICKENS
If you would like to join the community in praying for our first responders and for the good Lord to bring us some rain, there will be a group prayer effort at the City Cemetery on East Cedar Rock Street in Pickens tomorrow morning at 8:30am. This location has an unobstructed view of Table Rock mountain for folks to gather and lift our prayers on behalf of the community. We thank you in advance for your supportive prayers as crews continue to work around the clock.
8:28 A.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 29 UPDATE FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD
The South Carolina National Guard fire suppression missions at Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge continue to be supported by soldiers from the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion and 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command. As of March 28, 2025, our aircraft have completed 707 water drops, delivering 823,965 gallons of water over 76 flight hours. Average residential pools hold anywhere from 15,000 to 48,000 gallons, depending on size. Our soldiers are dedicated to this effort and the people of South Carolina.
3:01 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 29 UPDATE FROM THE PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
MPORTANT DONATION INFORMATION:
The donation center will close today at 4:00 p.m. We will not have a donation site open for the next few days as we reassess the incident needs. Just having to close the donation site is a phenomenal testament to the contributions of this community. We cannot put into words the action this community has taken over the past week. Please continue to pray for our first responders and the much needed rain!
8:01 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 29 UPDATE FROM THE PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
“We would like to thank everyone that came out this morning to pray for our first responders and for the much needed rain. Support from our citizens comes in all different forms and we appreciate them all.”
SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 30 UPDATE FROM THE PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
“Shortly before 7:00 a.m., work crew leaders gathered for the morning briefing. Today, there will be a continued focus on containment lines. These crews have worked tirelessly to create and clean up these lines, and, as of now, they are holding well in our area. Our neighbors in Transylvania County need our prayers, as well, as the fire continues to move slowly in that direction. Crews there are working just as hard to establish containment lines and monitor the fire. Continue to pray for these men and women and a little help from our good Lord to bring on the rain!”
SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 30 UPDATE FROM PICKENS COUNTY
The Table Rock Complex Fire is now considered the highest priority wildfire in the nation. An estimated 600 people are engaged in response, from frontline work to food service. Thank you to the first responders, support staff, volunteers, and everyone involved in relief efforts.
5:20 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 30 UPDATE FROM THE PICKENS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
Since last Sunday, our PCSO emotional support K9, Wyatt the Weightlifter, has been a constant presence at the command post for our first responders. Many of them have commented that interacting with him is the highlight of their day as they deal with the separation from their own families and pets. It is an honor to have Wyatt as a part of our team, and we are thankful that he can have a meaningful contribution during times like these.
Photos from the Pickens County Sheriff's Office
5:26 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 31 UPDATE FROM SHERIFF TOMMY BLANKENSHIP:
Click on the play button below to hear a message from our Sheriff in reference to evacuations being lifted for Pickens County residents affected by the fire.