Crosswell Fire District

03/27/2026

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban, effective at 4 p.m. today

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 4 p.m. today.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

The ban does not apply to fires used for the preparation of food or fires used in appropriate enclosures (portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas or permanent fire pits constructed of stone, masonry, metal or other noncombustible material that conforms with all applicable South Carolina fire codes).

Forestry Commission officials say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated potential for fires igniting easily and spreading rapidly. Dangerously low relative humidities – reaching below 20% in some areas – combined with extremely dry fuels statewide and gusty winds will create a particularly volatile mix of wildfire risk factors throughout the weekend.

"In addition to the intensifying drought conditions, the weather we’re going to see statewide over the next several days makes it ripe for any fire that starts to burn intensely and move fast,” SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. "While these conditions can make wildfires ignite easily anywhere and make it more challenging for firefighters to contain, we’re really concerned about areas where events like Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have led to higher amounts of fuel. This burning ban is necessary to limit ignitions to the maximum extent possible to prevent severe wildfires for public safety purposes."

The ban will stay in effect until further notice, which will come in the form of an official announcement from the Forestry Commission.

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260327.pdf

03/24/2026

SC Forestry Commission issuing statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately until further notice.

The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire. In addition to drought intensifying from a lack of significant rainfall, forecasts are calling for higher winds, low humidities and no precipitation in the foreseeable future.

A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, provided that all other state and local regulations are followed, but the Forestry Commission uses the alert to strongly encourage citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. Because current weather conditions are very conducive to fires escaping easily and spreading rapidly, anyone considering outdoor burning should take extra precautions if they still choose to burn under a Red Flag.

“The combination of dangerous conditions and dry fuels we’re going to see statewide for the next several days all add up to an elevated wildfire risk, and any fire that ignites is likely to burn intensely and spread rapidly,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “With this alert, we’re asking people to respect the weather and hold off from burning outdoors until the weather improves. If you have burned recently, we encourage you to monitor the burn area to make sure the dry conditions don’t cause it to rekindle.”

Adding to the danger, particularly in the western part of the state, are the heavy fuel loads that remain in our forests from Hurricane Helene. Not only can these downed, drying trees and other fuels act as kindling, increasing the risk of wildfire ignition and spread, but they also are likely to impede firefighters’ access, adversely impacting response capability.

Although a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires, so residents should contact their local fire departments to check whether such restrictions apply in their areas. The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the Commission, whose fire managers will continuously monitor the situation.

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-RedFlagFireAlert-260324.pdf

03/21/2026

08/31/2025

Have you heard?!? Starting Sept 1, 2025, South Carolina is a hands-free state!

What does this mean?

-Drivers will not be allowed to hold a phone or other mobile electronic device with their any part of their body to read or send texts, emails, use websites, browse/post on social media, watch movies, or take video calls.

What are the penalties?

-After a 180-day warning period, first offenses are $100. Subsequent offenses are $200 plus two points on your license for each additional violation within a three-year period.

What are the exceptions?

-There are certain exceptions to the law, such as using a mobile electronic device while legally parked or stopped, using the device in hands-free mode, and listening to audio content (navigation, music, podcasts), as long as you are not holding it while doing so. Law enforcement and first responders are also exempt while performing official duties.

How can I find out more information about this law?

-This new law is a BIG change for South Carolina drivers, so we've put together all the information you need on our website here - https://scdps.sc.gov/handsfree

08/14/2025

It is with deep sadness that the Gantt District Fire Department announces the passing of Chief Mark Holbrook, our Chief who dedicated over 44 years of service to the Gantt community.

Chief Holbrook’s leadership oversaw tremendous growth, and progress within our department. His unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our citizens and firefighters has left a legacy that will be felt for generations.

Chief Holbrook was a man of great character, holding himself and others to the highest moral standards. His intelligence and remarkable memory were legendary within the department.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Holbrook family, friends, and all who served alongside him. Chief Holbrook’s impact on Gantt District and the fire service will never be forgotten.

Visitation:
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown
639 N Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
Monday 5:00-7:00pm 8/18/25

Funeral Service:
Second Presbyterian Church
105 River St, Greenville, SC 29601
Tuesday 1:00pm 8/19/25

Burial:
Graceland Cemetery West
4814 White Horse Rd, Greenville, SC 29611
Immediately following the service at the church

Obituary:
Mark Holbrook, husband of "the love of his life" Linda Holbrook and son of the late Pat and Opal Holbrook, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, and losing his battle with cancer.
A member of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville since childhood, Mark was ordained as a Deacon in the PCA in 1990.
Mark began his career in the fire service at Gantt District Fire Department in August of 1981 and joined the career staff in 1983. He rose through the ranks, becoming Chief of the department in January of 2020.
In addition to his loving wife, Linda, he is survived by his daughter, Heather Henderson (Ray) of North Augusta; daughter in-law, Stacie Hamilton of Honea Path; grandchildren, Lindsey Thompson (Zach), Austin Hamilton (Belle), and Hunter Caudle; and great-grandchildren, Tucker and Harper Thompson.
He was predeceased by his sister, Jane in 1993; and his son, Shon Hamilton in 2024.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18,2025 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. A funeral service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery West.

08/14/2025

It is with deep sadness that SCDPS announces the loss of one of our own, Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks. TFC Ricks passed away Wednesday night, nearly four days after being hit by a vehicle while performing a traffic stop in Orangeburg County. A graduate of SCHP Class 123 in September 2023, Ricks has proudly served in Troop 7 (Orangeburg, Calhoun) since then.

This is a devastating loss for his family, for those who worked alongside him in Troop Seven and the entire Highway Patrol and DPS family. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family as they navigate this immense loss.

More information will be provided on social media, our website www.scdps.sc.gov and through media notices.

04/24/2025

The proceeds help fund a scholarship program for Pickens County Firefighters.

It's that time of year again folks!!! Take action now and order your Boston Butt for Memorial Day weekend, an investment in a brighter future. Support the Pickens County Fire Chiefs Associations 3rd Annual Boston Butt fundraiser and be inspired. Details are on the flyer. Pre-pay on the secure link and pick it up on May 23rd. All proceeds will go to the Pickens County Fire Chiefs Scholarship Fund.

03/21/2025

SC FORESTRY COMMISSION ISSUING STATEWIDE BURNING BAN

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 6 p.m. today.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

Forestry Commission officials say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated risk of wildfire. The high winds and gusts that prompted the agency to issue a Red Flag Fire Alert yesterday are expected to persist across the state through the weekend.

Additionally, extremely low relative humidities – reaching below 30% in most areas – add to the fire danger.

“The combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity is a recipe for wildfires igniting easily and spreading rapidly,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones, “especially when you add to the mix the abundance of dry, late-winter fuels on the ground.”

The ban will stay in effect until further notice, which will come in the form of an official announcement from the Forestry Commission.

03/20/2025

FORESTRY COMMISSION ISSUING STATEWIDE RED FLAG FIRE ALERT

The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately until further notice. The Commission plans to reevaluate conditions Sunday.

The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire.

A cold front moving across the state today will usher in low relative humidities throughout the weekend, accompanied by sustained periods of gusty winds. While the frontal passage may result in precipitation in some areas today, the expected amounts of rainfall will not be significant enough to remediate already-dry fuels on the ground over much of the state.

A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, provided that all other state and local regulations are followed, but the Forestry Commission uses the alert to strongly encourage citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. Land managers who are considering conducting prescribed fires should take extra care if they choose to burn under a Red Flag.

“The combination of wind, low relative humidity and dry fuels is very favorable for wildfire ignitions, so we ask that people who don’t have to burn to hold off until these conditions subside,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “The dramatic uptick in wildfires across the state over the last two months were in large part the result of exactly these typical springtime weather patterns.”

The purpose of Red Flag Fire Alerts is twofold: in addition to discouraging people from doing any outdoor burning, it also helps to reduce the strain on local fire departments and other first responders who need to remain available for other emergencies.

SCFC firefighters responded to 280 wildfires in February alone, above the five-year average for the second month of the year. The agency has already recorded 277 wildfires in March. Historically, wildfire occurrence in South Carolina is greater in March than in any other month.

Although a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires, so residents should contact their local fire departments to check whether such restrictions apply in their areas. The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the Commission, whose fire managers will continuously monitor the situation.

See the release here:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/03202025_Advisory_RedFlagFireAlert.pdf