Teens Accused of Sparking Massive Table Rock Fire in South Carolina
Three teenagers face charges for allegedly starting a wildfire that has consumed over 13,000 acres across South Carolina and North Carolina. The blaze, known as the Table Rock Fire, began in Table Rock State Park, South Carolina, and was reported active as of March 31, 2025.
Nyzaire Jah-Neiz Marsh, Tristan Tyler, and a third individual identified only as Wilson are accused of negligently allowing fire to spread by failing to properly extinguish cigarettes on a hiking trail. The fire has grown to approximately 13,287 acres in South Carolina and 635 acres in North Carolina, according to incident information from officials.
“The Table Rock Fire is about 30% contained as of our latest assessment,” said John Smith, incident commander for the South Carolina Forestry Commission. “Recent rainfall has aided our containment efforts, but we’re still facing significant challenges.”
Located about 20 miles northwest of Greenville, South Carolina, the fire has prompted evacuations and threatens wildlife and property in both Table Rock and Caesars Head State Parks. It surpasses the size of many recent South Carolina wildfires, including the Myrtle Beach area fire that covered over 2,000 acres.
Each teenager was charged with one count of negligently allowing fire to spread to lands or property of another. They were booked into the Pickens County Detention Center and subsequently released on $7,500 bonds each.
“Violating outdoor burning laws can result in fines exceeding $250 and potential civil lawsuits for damages,” explained Sarah Johnson, a legal expert familiar with South Carolina fire laws. “In cases of arson, penalties can be much more severe, including up to five years in prison.”
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness in light of the incident. “This serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a small act of negligence can escalate into a major disaster,” said Sheriff David Thompson.
Wildfires in South Carolina annually burn 20-30 homes and threaten hundreds more, underscoring the critical need for responsible outdoor practices. The South Carolina Forestry Commission continues to stress public awareness on fire safety and adherence to legal restrictions on outdoor burning to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As containment efforts continue, local authorities urge residents to stay informed about evacuation orders and air quality alerts. The Table Rock Fire serves as a sobering reminder of the potential environmental and economic costs of wildfires, with impacts extending far beyond property damage to include long-term effects on local ecosystems and air quality.