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Resident urges stronger enforcement of Horry County open‑burn laws after repeated smoky fires
Summary
Chris Gingrich, a Burgess community resident, told the public safety committee that repeated backyard fires — including one during a countywide burn ban — are causing health problems and straining emergency resources; he urged clearer interagency response and stiffer penalties.
Chris Gingrich, a Burgess community resident, urged the Horry County Public Safety Committee to strengthen and better enforce the county's open‑burn laws, saying repeated smoky fires have caused health issues in his household and exhausted emergency resources.
"My name is Chris Gingrich. I'm here today to advocate for the strengthening and enforcement of our county's open burn laws," he told the committee, recounting a Feb. 27 incident during a countywide burn ban when smoke entered his home.
Gingrich said he and his wife have documented about 22 burn events near their property and that calls to officials produce a response but no apparent enforcement or penalties. He emphasized health concerns for children, elderly residents and people with preexisting respiratory conditions and urged the committee to improve communication between agencies, focus on prevention and consider stronger penalties for repeat violators.
Committee members did not offer a policy response on the record during public comment. Gingrich said he has additional documentation and asked to meet with staff to present details offline.
