Protection

The South Carolina Forestry Commission offers training for individuals seeking to become Certified Prescribed Fire Managers (CPFM). Certification can reduce the liability for those conducting outdoor burning. 

CPFM training courses have concluded for FY2023-24, but stay tuned this fall when we announce the dates and locations of next fiscal year’s classes.

The one-day course teaches managers how to plan prescribed burns that comply with South Carolina Smoke Management Guidelines.  These regulations are mandatory for all forestry, wildlife and agricultural burning in South Carolina. The course is not intended to teach individuals how to burn, but rather how to manage smoke from prescribed fires under these regulations and create awareness of legal issues associated with outdoor burning. Certification requires that an individual complete this training, pass a written exam, and document one’s burning experience.  Each session will begin at 8:30 am, and close by 5:00 pm with an administered test.

To register for the course, please complete the registration form, and mail it with your $75 registration fee.  Applications are accepted on a first come-first served basis.  The deadline for registration is three weeks prior to the course. Reference materials and specific details regarding locations will be mailed two weeks prior to each session.

If you have further questions, please contact SCFC Safety & Training Coordinator Stephen Patterson at SPatterson@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8810.