News Summary

Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina as wildfires rage across the region. Over 175 active wildfires are being combated, with significant fires near Myrtle Beach consuming vast areas. The state is taking measures to control fires with the National Guard’s assistance and has imposed bans on outdoor burning amidst dangerously dry conditions. Evacuations have occurred in affected areas, but rain is expected to provide some relief soon.

South Carolina

In response to raging wildfires across the region, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday. The declaration comes as over 175 active wildfires are burning in South Carolina alone, fueled by unusually dry conditions and gusty winds.

As of Monday afternoon, five active fires remained a concern, particularly significant blazes in Myrtle Beach, Williamsburg County, and Beaufort County. One notable fire near Myrtle Beach has consumed 1,600 acres and was reported to be 30% contained as of Sunday night. The situation prompted the evacuation of eight neighborhoods in Horry County, where smoke and fire activity led to dangerously low visibility on the roads, resulting in closures.

The South Carolina Army National Guard has stepped in, deploying two Black Hawk helicopters to assist firefighting efforts by dropping water on the flames, with each drop delivering 600 gallons. The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported the mobilization of 410 personnel along with at least 128 fire apparatuses to combat the wildfires. Currently, no injuries or structural damage have been reported.

In addition to the local situation, North Carolina is also grappling with wildfires, including at least four in its national forests, burning nearly 500 acres. Georgia is similarly affected, reporting six active fires with approximately 3,700 acres burned in the past week. Overall, dry conditions and low humidity are prevalent across the region due to a high-pressure system, which has led to an elevated risk of wildfires.

Current Situation and Responses

In Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens counties, over 4,200 acres have been affected by wildfires. On Sunday, approximately 135 residents from Carolina Forest sought refuge at a county recreation center, which was closed on Monday morning as the situation evolved. Fortunately, by early Sunday evening, many evacuees living near the fires were permitted to return home.

Fire activity is expected to decrease on Tuesday with the arrival of a cold front, anticipated to bring much-needed rain to the area. However, officials have urgently imposed a ban on outdoor burning due to the ongoing fire activity and have warned of possible legal consequences for any violators.

Preventative Measures and Background

On March 21, a fire named the Table Rock Fire was sparked while sheriffs were in the area searching for a missing hiker. Three South Carolina men — Nyzaire Jah-Neiz Marsh, Tristan Tyler, and Isaac Wilson — along with a juvenile, have been charged with negligently allowing the fire to spread. Investigations revealed that the fire originated from improperly disposed cigarettes while hiking. The Table Rock Fire has burned approximately 13,287 acres in South Carolina and 635 acres in North Carolina and is currently 30% contained.

The recent string of wildfires follows a particularly active March, during which firefighters dealt with over 373 wildfires, burning more than 28 square miles. Officials attribute this uptick in wildfire activity to previous drought conditions and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread tree damage, further fueling potential fire hazards. As April typically marks the peak month for wildfires in South Carolina, state officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution.

As the firefighting efforts continue, authorities maintain that public safety is the top priority and are actively monitoring the situation on all fronts.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Island Packet
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• NBC News
• Google Search: South Carolina wildfires
• AP News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfires
• WYFF4
• Google News: Carolina wildfires
• WLOS

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