by Tonya Smith, Asst. Unit Forester – Pee Dee Region, Black River Unit
The Black River Unit hosted a Learn to Burn event Jan. 13, 2026, in Williamsburg County, providing hands-on prescribed fire education to local landowners and students.
The event was attended by 14 landowners and 20 students from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Participants were divided into two groups and received a presentation covering pre-burn preparation, conducting the burn, firing techniques, mop-up, post burn evaluation and liability of prescribed burning.
Following the classroom portion, both groups participated in field activities, including carrying drip torches and assisting with prescribed burns on two separate blocks. Students also had the opportunity to install handlines and sit in one of the dozers, giving them additional exposure to fireline construction and equipment used during prescribed fire operations.
Personnel who assisted from the Black River Unit include:
- Pee Dee Region, Black River Unit – Unit Forester Ron Holt
- Pee Dee Region, Black River Unit – Asst. Unit Forester Tonya Smith
- Williamsburg Sector Fire Management Officer (FMO) Terry Cook
- Williamsburg Project Forester Sean Whalen
- Williamsburg Sector Wildland Firefighter Brantley Burrows
- Williamsburg Sector Wildland Firefighter Will McElveen
- Williamsburg Sector Wildland Firefighter Wayne Springs
- Williamsburg Sector Wildland Firefighter Jackie Welch
- Georgetown Sector Wildland Firefighter Wayne Smith
- Georgetown Sector Wildland Firefighter Zack Simpson
- Dillon/Florence Sector FMO Josh Thompson
- Dillon/Florence Project Forester Chet Foyle
- Horry/Marion Project Forester Caleb Watson
- Prescribed Fire Coordinator Mike Bozzo
Additional support for the event was provided by the Center for Heirs’ Property, The Longleaf Alliance and The Nature Conservancy. Everyone’s involvement contributed to the success of the event.