Increases penalties for illegal fires in South Carolina, including willful, malicious, and negligent burning.

The bill amends South Carolina law to increase penalties for setting illegal fires. It makes it unlawful to set fire to another's property without consent, with escalating fines and prison terms for repeat offenses. It also increases penalties for negligently allowing a fire to spread to another's property. Additionally, it suspends exemptions for certain fires during declared emergencies. Convicted individuals may be ordered to attend fire safety education courses instead of serving jail time for a first offense.

Increases penalties for illegal fires in South Carolina, including willful, malicious, and negligent burning.

The bill amends South Carolina law to increase penalties for setting illegal fires. It makes it unlawful to set fire to another's property without consent, with escalating fines and prison terms for repeat offenses. It also increases penalties for negligently allowing a fire to spread to another's property. Additionally, it suspends exemptions for certain fires during declared emergencies. Convicted individuals may be ordered to attend fire safety education courses instead of serving jail time for a first offense.