Lake City Fire Department

04/16/2026

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban; restriction on all outdoor burning goes into effect at 7 a.m. Friday

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 7 a.m. Friday, April 17.

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 cite a particularly dangerous mix of elevated wildfire risk factors through the weekend that warrant limiting all ignitions in the interest of public safety.

Rapidly escalating drought conditions across the state, a critical decrease in relative humidities over the next several days and gusty winds that are expected to accompany an approaching cold front will combine to create extreme fire danger.

"When it’s this dry – energy release component values are at high-to-critical levels – we’re just as likely, if not more, to see wildfires that are fuel-driven rather than wind-driven. Add the other volatile conditions of increased wind and lower relative humidity, and it becomes an especially precarious situation,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. "These conditions not only increase the likelihood of wildfires igniting easily and spreading rapidly, but would also make them more difficult for firefighters to control.”

While 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 urge the utmost caution burning outdoors under these exemptions.

Likewise, citizens should exercise extreme vigilance operating any equipment that could create sparks, avoid parking on dry grass and refrain from using fireworks.

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

Shareable release:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260416.pdf

04/09/2026

The members of the Lake City Fire Department extend our deepest condolences to Florence County EMS and the family of Paramedic Ralph Fulmore, Jr.
Ralph’s dedication to serving others and his commitment to the EMS profession reflect the very best of the fire and emergency services community. His loss is felt far beyond his department.
We keep his family, friends, and coworkers in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

For Immediate Release:

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our colleague and friend, Paramedic Ralph Fulmore, Jr.

Ralph joined Florence County EMS in June 2023 as a cadet in our EMT program.

It was immediately obvious that he was a perfect fit for our organization.

After a year as an EMT, Ralph decided he was ready to progress and began paramedic school. During that program, Ralph worked very hard to learn the craft he enjoyed. He was nervous about taking the exam but excited about the idea of achieving his paramedic certification.

Yesterday evening, on his way home from taking the National Registry Paramedic exam, Ralph was involved in a terrible motor vehicle collision and could not survive his injuries.

Even though our hearts are broken for the loss of a friend and coworker, we cannot be prouder of the accomplishments that Ralph achieved. He passed that exam. He worked very hard and would have been honored to wear the patch.

While his achievements professionally are something to be celebrated, it was his sweet family that he truly cherished. Ralph was a devoted son, fiancé, and father. He loved his family, fiercely and they were his reason for pushing himself to be better every day.

Please hold Ralph’s loved ones and friends close in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest easy friend.

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

03/18/2026

On behalf of the Lake City Fire Department, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chief David Malone. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire South Lynches Fire Department. His dedication and service will never be forgotten. Please know we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

*PER SOUTH LYNCHES FIRE DEPARTMENT*
South Lynches Fire Department Announces the Passing of Fire Chief David Wayne Malone

The South Lynches Fire Department announces with deep sorrow the passing of Fire Chief David Wayne Malone, age 64, who passed away on March 17, 2026, following a brief illness. Chief Malone was surrounded by his family at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital at the time of his passing.

Chief Malone was born on August 17, 1961, and dedicated a lifetime of service to his community through the fire service. He joined the South Lynches Fire Department in 1980 and faithfully served for more than four decades. Over the course of his distinguished career, he held nearly every position within the department, including Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, District Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief.

He served as Fire Chief of the South Lynches Fire Department for the past five years, providing strong leadership, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of duty to the citizens he protected. Throughout his career, he earned the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters, colleagues, and community members through his dedication, integrity, and service.

In 2011, Chief Malone was awarded the Meritorious Action Award by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association in recognition of his bravery and heroic actions when he placed his own life in peril to save the life of another. This is just one example of the courage and selflessness that defined his career.

In honor of his service and commitment, a fire department es**rt will accompany Chief Malone as he returns home.

The family will announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.

The South Lynches Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to Chief Malone’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. His legacy of service and leadership will not be forgotten.

Quote from Assistant Chief Jason M. Springs: “A life of service is never measured by years, but by the lives touched and the courage shown. Chief Malone always answered the call without hesitation, and his legacy will continue to stand watch over this community forever.”

03/03/2026

🚨 Attention Local Business Owners!

The Florence County Developing Communities Foundation wants to hear from YOU!

Please take just 3 minutes to complete their survey and help shape the future of support for our local business community. Your input makes a difference — and your voice truly matters! 💼✨

Deadline is March 9th. Take the survey today! ➡️ https://form.jotform.com/260535522585055

02/01/2026

Shoutout to the anonymous good neighbor who scraped our front pad at LCFD. This is a great reminder of how supportive our community is. Small actions make a big difference—thank you! ❤️🚒

01/31/2026

FloCo, as the snow continues to fall across the County, the road conditions will continue to deteriorate.

Ice and snow, take it slow.
If you do not absolutely need to be out, please stay off the roads. Snow-covered roads, blowing snow, and dropping temperatures will make travel dangerous.

🚗 Staying home helps:
• Keep you safe
• Reduce crashes
• Give road crews and first responders the space they need to work

If you must travel, slow down, increase following distance, and use extreme caution.

01/30/2026