This is strictly voluntary. We don’t require people to meet this level, but there’s a core group who think its important and they try to qualify at this level.

A part of me hates to see them go. But the fact of it is, we can operate more efficiently by utilizing other means of fire prevention, and that’s our job.

A lot more homes would be impacted.

Some firefighters voiced concern that embers remaining from outdoor burns conducted over the past two days could flare up and spark wildfires.

The most significant one included the one in Kershaw County. A large fire also burned in Hampton County, estimated to be over 450 acres. Eighty acres also burned in McCormick County, where some structures were...