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Aug. 21, 2024

SCDES has been monitoring efforts to address fire and smoke stemming from a large mulch pile and land-clearing debris at New Century Construction, LLC, in Seneca, Oconee County. At this time, the smoke poses no known threat to people or the environment, however, it’s always recommended that people avoid breathing in environmental smoke. 

Common Questions

Whether from a campfire, wildfire, or burning pile of debris, all smoke is made up of very small partially burned particles and chemicals that form during burning. What makes up the particles and accompanying gases depends on the type of material that is burning. 

  • A large pile of wood mulch and land-clearing debris ignited on Aug. 15, prompting local fire departments to respond. The land-clearing debris and mulch are continuing to emit smoke today.  
  • This smoke is very similar to smoke from burning yard debris, fire pits or fireplaces.  
  • The Corinth-Shiloh Fire Department has responded, and the facility is actively working to reduce the amount of smoke and extinguish the fire altogether. The South Carolina Forestry Commission installed a fire break around the area and fire has been contained to the site.  
  • The fire is likely to smolder for an extended period of time. 

  • The heat from outdoor fires typically lifts smoke up into the air, but slower, smoldering fires in combination with some weather conditions can trap smoke close to the ground.  
  • It’s never good to breathe smoke of any kind for extended periods of time. Most people should not have long-term health problems caused by breathing smoke for short periods of time, but chemical odors and particles in the air from fires may cause short-term nausea, headaches, and/or irritation to the throat and eyes.
  • If symptoms are caused by smoke, they should improve when a person leaves the smoky area.  
  • Exposure to smoke may aggravate some pre-existing lung or heart-related health conditions. 

  • In the event of a fire or smoke event, the first and most important thing to do is to minimize your exposure.  
    • Report smoke to local authorities as the adage is usually true, “where there is smoke, there is fire.” In this case, the Corinth-Shiloh Fire Department and Oconee County officials have been on site and are closely monitoring the situation.
    • If possible, stay upwind from the fire.  
    • Go inside, close windows and close exterior air intakes of your HVAC if possible to reduce the amount of outdoor air in your home.
    • Don’t exercise in smoky conditions because you breathe in more air and that increases your exposure to smoke-related contaminants.
    • Should you have any personal health concerns, we recommend that you seek advice from your health care provider. 

SCDES thanks local officials and the S.C. Forestry Commission for their concerted efforts to respond to this event. We’ll continue to provide additional updates or recommendations if needed as we continue to monitor this mulch fire.