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South Carolina Wildfire Lawsuits: Injuries, Property Damage and Who May Be Liable
We take representing injured South Carolinians seriously. Our team has deep roots in our community, and it is our job to help our injured neighbors recover and restore their lives.
For a free case review, call us at 843-720-2800.
Representing Injured People Since 1927
Injury Lawyers for Fires Caused by Utilities, Companies and Other Negligent Parties
Wildfires can destroy far more than forests. When fire spreads into a South Carolina community, families can lose homes, vehicles, personal belongings and even their lives.
People may suffer serious burns, smoke-related illnesses and other injuries while attempting to evacuate. Even families whose homes survive may face smoke and ash contamination, temporary displacement and significant financial losses. And while some wildfires result from natural events such as lightning, many are caused by human activity.
When negligence, unsafe equipment, an escaped “controlled” burn, a power line or another preventable act starts or contributes to a wildfire, the people or businesses responsible may potentially be held accountable for the resulting injuries and property damage.
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Answering Your Questions
To learn more about wildfire injury claims, contact our experienced team of South Carolina personal injury attorneys.
How Can Steinberg Law Firm Help?
At Steinberg Law Firm, we represent people throughout South Carolina who have been seriously injured because of the negligence of others. A major wildfire can require the same type of detailed investigation used in other complex injury and property-damage cases: determining exactly how the fire started, how it spread, what should have been done differently and which individuals, companies or other entities may bear responsibility.
Wildfires Are a Serious Risk in South Carolina
Wildfires are often associated with California and the western United States, but South Carolina experiences more than a thousand wildfires in a typical year.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the state’s current five-year average is approximately 1,398 wildfires and 13,998 acres burned annually. The agency also reports that wildfires burn approximately 20 to 30 South Carolina homes every year, while hundreds of additional homes are threatened.
Recent years demonstrate how quickly the danger can escalate. During fiscal year 2024, the South Carolina Forestry Commission responded to 1,221 wildfires that burned 7,722 acres. Approximately 55% of those fires were attributed to debris burning.
The following year was dramatically worse. During fiscal year 2025, Forestry Commission personnel responded to 1,562 wildfires that burned more than 32,000 acres. That represented 161% more acreage than South Carolina’s 10-year average. The agency described the spring of 2025 as one of South Carolina’s most active wildfire seasons in decades.
Those numbers are particularly important as development continues to expand into areas where South Carolina’s forests and residential communities meet.
Major South Carolina Wildfires in 2025
Several recent fires demonstrate the potential scale of the wildfire threat in South Carolina.
The Covington Drive Fire Near Myrtle Beach
The Covington Drive Fire began near Carolina Forest outside Myrtle Beach on March 1, 2025. It ultimately burned approximately 2,059 acres.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the fire began when a residential yard-debris burn escaped. A woman was arrested on charges related to the fire.
The fire was particularly difficult to extinguish because of combustible peat soils. Underground material continued smoldering for weeks, creating the possibility that hotspots could reignite.
The fire was not declared controlled until June 4—95 days after ignition—making it the longest wildfire from ignition to control in South Carolina history.
The Covington Drive Fire provides an important example of how an apparently ordinary residential burn can potentially turn into a major wildfire.
The Table Rock Complex
South Carolina experienced another major wildfire emergency only weeks later.
The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires collectively burned 15,973 acres in Greenville and Pickens counties and threatened thousands of homes in North and South Carolina.
At one point, evacuations affected more than 1,000 residences.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that three adults and a juvenile were charged in connection with the origin of the Table Rock Fire. Authorities alleged that cigarettes were not properly extinguished while the individuals were on a hiking trail.
The Table Rock Complex became the largest mountain wildfire in South Carolina history and cost approximately $11.3 million to fight.
Fortunately, the Forestry Commission reported no deaths, injuries or destroyed homes from these fires.
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One of the most significant Lowcountry wildfires of 2026 was the Horse Island Fire in Berkeley County’s Francis Marion National Forest near Shulerville.
The fire was discovered on July 18, 2026, approximately two miles from Shulerville. It began at an estimated 15 acres but expanded rapidly and eventually burned approximately 1,012 acres.
The fire became serious enough that residents along Cane Swamp Lane and the west side of Tiger Corner Road were ordered to evacuate. Those evacuation orders were later lifted, but residents were warned to remain prepared in case conditions changed.
Smoke also became a significant concern. Dense smoke advisories were issued while firefighters continued working to contain the fire. At one point, approximately 90 firefighters were involved in the response.
Firefighters faced difficult conditions because portions of the fire were burning in swampy terrain containing layers of dead vegetation and other heavy fuels. Crews used bulldozers to construct firebreaks and conducted strategic firefighting operations to help stop its spread.
The Horse Island Fire eventually stabilized at approximately 1,012 acres.
The Horse Island Fire demonstrates an important aspect of wildfire losses: a home does not necessarily have to burn for a family to be significantly affected by a wildfire. Evacuations, smoke exposure, road closures, loss of access to property and disruption of businesses are all serious consequences.
Bullhead and Candlestick Wildfires in Berkeley County
The Horse Island Fire was not Berkeley County’s only significant wildfire event in 2026.
During the last week of March, the Bullhead Wildfire burned approximately 420 acres, while the nearby Candlestick Wildfire burned approximately 87 acres.
Together, the two fires burned more than 500 acres in Berkeley County.
The cluster of fires illustrates how quickly wildfire risk can increase throughout the Lowcountry when high temperatures, dry vegetation, low humidity and wind occur simultaneously.
The fires occurred during an unusually warm and dry period. On March 23, Charleston International Airport reached 90 degrees, breaking the previous daily temperature record.
Dry conditions contributed to increased wildfire danger across South Carolina. On March 24, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert. Several days later, conditions became serious enough for the Forestry Commission to issue a statewide burning ban.
The Bullhead and Candlestick fires were among multiple wildfires burning across southeastern South Carolina during this period. By April 3, the Forestry Commission reported that 11 wildfires in southeastern South Carolina had been contained.
Laurel Island Wildfire in Charleston
Charleston itself experienced a wildfire in January 2026. According to the Charleston Police Department, a wildfire occurred on Laurel Island on January 28, 2026, beginning at approximately 11 p.m.
The fire burned approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land. Charleston firefighters and several surrounding fire departments spent hours containing and extinguishing it. Fortunately, no structures were damaged.
This fire is particularly relevant to the issue of wildfire liability because investigators determined that it was intentionally started. Following a joint investigation by Charleston Police and the Charleston Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, authorities alleged that a man intentionally started a small fire that then spread beyond his control. A suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with willfully burning the lands of another without consent.
The Laurel Island Fire illustrates why determining the origin and cause of a wildfire can be critical to determining potential liability.
What Causes Wildfires in South Carolina?
Escaped debris burns are particularly important in South Carolina and have historically been the state’s leading wildfire cause.
Potential wildfire causes include:
- Yard and debris burning that escapes the intended burn area
- Campfires that are not completely extinguished
- Discarded cigarettes and smoking materials
- Arson
- Sparks caused by machinery or equipment
- Dragging trailer chains and other vehicle-related sparks
- Power lines and electrical equipment
- Structure fires that spread into surrounding vegetation
- Fireworks
- Construction or industrial activity
- Prescribed burns that escape containment
- Lightning and other natural causes
Determining the cause is one of the most important parts of a potential wildfire lawsuit.
Investigators may need to examine burn patterns, weather conditions, electrical equipment, utility records, photographs and video, witness statements, surveillance footage, maintenance records, burn permits or notifications, emergency communications and other evidence.
Who Could Be Liable for a Wildfire?
Liability depends on how a particular fire began and the circumstances surrounding its spread.
Potential defendants could include individuals, businesses, contractors, property owners, utilities, equipment manufacturers or other entities.
Property Owners and Individuals
A person who starts a fire has a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to prevent it from escaping.
South Carolina law imposes requirements on certain outdoor burns, including notification requirements and precautions intended to keep fires under control.
A homeowner, landowner or other individual could potentially face liability if a negligently controlled fire spreads and damages another person’s property or causes injuries.
Utility Companies
Western wildfire litigation has demonstrated the enormous consequences that can result when electrical infrastructure allegedly ignites vegetation during dangerous fire conditions.
Major wildfire lawsuits in California and other western states have included allegations that utilities failed to properly inspect or maintain electrical equipment, clear vegetation, replace dangerous infrastructure or take appropriate precautions during periods of extreme fire danger.
Whether similar claims could be brought following a South Carolina wildfire depends upon the evidence, applicable South Carolina law and the particular utility involved.
An investigation involving electrical equipment could examine:
- Downed or damaged power lines
- Transformers
- Utility poles
- Vegetation contacting electrical equipment
- Inspection and maintenance history
- Previous reports of problems
- Weather and wind conditions
- Whether equipment should have been repaired or replaced
- Whether appropriate wildfire precautions were followed
Business Contractors
Construction companies, landscapers, logging operations, agricultural businesses and other commercial operations can use equipment capable of producing sparks or significant heat.
A company could potentially face liability when negligent operation or maintenance of equipment starts a fire.
Equipment and Product Manufacturers
Some wildfire cases may involve defective machinery, electrical equipment or other products.
Depending upon the circumstances, a manufacturer, distributor or seller could potentially face a product-liability claim if a defective product caused a wildfire.
Government Entities
Some fires may raise questions involving government-owned property, public utilities, public works or governmental activities.
Claims against governmental entities can involve different rules, defenses, notice requirements and limitations from ordinary negligence lawsuits. These cases should therefore be evaluated individually and promptly.
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Wildfire smoke can travel far beyond the area burning.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that wildfire smoke exposure can cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing and can aggravate asthma and other lung diseases.
More serious exposure has also been associated with emergency-room visits and hospital admissions as well as cardiovascular effects, including heart attacks, strokes and worsening heart failure.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people with existing heart or lung conditions may be particularly vulnerable.
Property Damage from a Wildfire
A wildfire lawsuit can involve much more than the market value of a destroyed house. Depending upon the facts and applicable law, wildfire losses may potentially include:
Homes and structures. A fire may destroy or substantially damage homes, rental properties, barns, garages, sheds and commercial buildings.
Personal property. Families can lose furniture, electronics, clothing, vehicles, tools and irreplaceable personal possessions.
Smoke and ash damage. A structure does not have to burn to sustain significant damage. Smoke, soot and ash may infiltrate a home or business and affect walls, HVAC systems, insulation, furniture and other contents.
Temporary housing and evacuation expenses. Families may incur hotel bills, rental expenses, transportation costs, food expenses and other costs while displaced.
Business interruption. Businesses may lose inventory, equipment, revenue and customers or may be unable to operate for weeks or months.
Land and timber losses. South Carolina property owners may suffer losses involving timber, crops, landscaping, fencing and other improvements.
Loss of use. Property may remain inaccessible or uninhabitable long after the flames have been extinguished.
The financial consequences can continue for months or years after the wildfire itself is over.
Individual Wildfire Lawsuits
Not every wildfire becomes mass litigation.
If a relatively localized fire damages several homes or causes an individual injury, victims may pursue separate lawsuits against the person or company allegedly responsible. An individual claim allows the specific losses of a family or business to be evaluated independently.
For example, one homeowner may suffer relatively minor exterior damage while a neighboring family loses its entire home. Another person may suffer severe burn injuries requiring hospitalization, while a nearby business may lose months of revenue.
Even though the claims arise from the same fire, the damages can be very different.
When Wildfires Become Mass Tort Litigation
Mass Tort Is Not Necessarily the Same as a Class Action
The terms “mass tort” and “class action” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
In a traditional class action, one or more representative plaintiffs pursue claims on behalf of a larger group whose claims meet legal requirements for class treatment.
Mass tort litigation generally allows individual plaintiffs to maintain their own claims while benefiting from coordinated investigation and litigation of common issues. That distinction can be particularly important in wildfire cases because damages often vary dramatically from one victim to another.
A homeowner whose property was completely destroyed has a very different claim from someone who evacuated for several days. A person who suffered serious burns has different damages from a business that lost revenue because roads were closed.
The appropriate legal strategy depends upon the fire, number of victims, defendants, court system and facts of the individual claims.
Insurance Claims and Wildfire Lawsuits Can Be Separate Issues
Homeowners and businesses should notify their insurers promptly after wildfire damage, but an insurance claim does not necessarily answer the question of who caused the fire.
If another person or company negligently caused the wildfire, there may be a third-party claim in addition to a property insurance claim. Insurance disputes can also arise over the scope of damage, replacement costs, smoke contamination, business interruption, temporary living expenses and other covered losses.
For this reason, wildfire victims should carefully document their losses. Photographs and video of the property before cleanup begins can be particularly important. Receipts for temporary housing, meals, transportation, repairs and replacement property should also be retained whenever possible.
Why Early Investigation Matters
The cause of a wildfire may not be immediately obvious. The investigation may ultimately involve fire-origin and cause experts, electrical engineers, product experts and other specialists.
Evidence can disappear quickly as utility equipment is repaired, damaged structures are demolished, vegetation is removed and the fire scene changes. A wildfire investigation may therefore require immediate steps to preserve evidence. Depending upon the circumstances, attorneys may seek to preserve:
- Electrical equipment
- Utility inspection and maintenance records
- Burn notifications and permits
- Equipment involved in the ignition
- Photographs and video
- Surveillance footage
- Cell phone records
- Weather data
- Emergency dispatch communications
- Fire department reports
- Forestry Commission reports
- Witness statements
- Drone or aerial imagery
- Insurance inspection records
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South Carolina’s Growing Wildland-Urban Interface
South Carolina’s wildfire risk is changing as residential development expands into previously forested areas.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has identified population growth and expansion of the wildland-urban interface as factors making wildfire suppression increasingly complex.
The wildland-urban interface is where homes and developed communities meet or intermingle with forests and other natural vegetation.
The Charleston Tri-County area provides an important example.
Berkeley County includes extensive forestland, including Francis Marion National Forest, while experiencing rapid residential and commercial development. Dorchester County continues to grow around Summerville and other formerly rural areas. Charleston County’s hazard planning has identified communities including Awendaw, Hollywood, Meggett and Ravenel as areas with wildfire exposure.
The 2026 Horse Island, Bullhead, Candlestick and Laurel Island fires demonstrate that wildfire is not simply a problem thousands of miles away in California.
It is a South Carolina risk, including here in the Lowcountry.
As homes and businesses move closer to forests and other natural vegetation, determining who caused a wildfire, and whether it could have been prevented, may become increasingly important.
Talk With a South Carolina Wildfire Lawyer
After a major wildfire, families may be dealing simultaneously with injuries, evacuation, destroyed or damaged property, insurance companies, contractors and uncertainty about what caused the fire.
Determining whether someone can be held legally responsible requires investigation.
If you or your family suffered serious injuries, lost a loved one or sustained significant property or business losses because of a wildfire in South Carolina, Steinberg Law Firm can investigate what happened and help determine whether you may have a claim against the person, business or other entity responsible.
Founded in 1927, Steinberg Law Firm has represented injured people and families across South Carolina for nearly a century. Our attorneys handle serious personal injury, wrongful death, product liability and other complex claims involving significant damages.
Contact Steinberg Law Firm for a free consultation about a South Carolina wildfire injury or death claim. There is no fee for an injury claim unless we recover compensation for you.
The viability and value of any wildfire claim depend upon its individual facts and applicable South Carolina law. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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