South Carolina Forestry Commission Updated Burn System
The agency launched a new digital notification system to replace technology used for two decades.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Hunting
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The South Carolina Forestry Commission has implemented a new computer system for managing mandatory prescribed burn notifications. The update replaces a system that had been in operation for over 20 years.
Why it matters
State law requires landowners and managers to notify the commission before conducting prescribed burns. The transition aims to improve back-end recordkeeping and streamline the notification process for burners.
The new system utilizes a notification number format beginning with the last two digits of the year, followed by 'BN' and five sequential digits. Users can reach the notification line at 800-777-3473.
The players
South Carolina Forestry Commission
This state agency is responsible for the protection and management of South Carolina's forest resources.
The details
Individuals planning a burn must continue to provide their identity, location, timing, and the size of the area to be burned. The commission developed this transition to modernize its data tracking and administrative operations.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The new notification system went into effect.
Culture Shift
The transition to a modernized digital infrastructure follows the broader trend of state agencies moving away from legacy recordkeeping systems. This reflects a wider societal shift toward efficient, data-driven management of natural resource regulatory requirements.
Landowners and hunters planning prescribed burns must use the new 800-777-3473 notification line to ensure compliance. Adopting the new reporting format is essential for those who conduct burns on their property.
The takeaway
Users should familiarize themselves with the new notification identifier format to avoid delays when scheduling burns. This update marks a permanent transition in how the commission processes requests under state law.
Further reading
Learn more about local regulations and best practices on our South Carolina Hunting page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSPA 7News.
Live Poll
Should landowners be required to report controlled burns to the state?
