News Summary
Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina as wildfires rage across the region. Over 175 wildfires have burned thousands of acres, leading to evacuations and safety concerns. A significant fire near Myrtle Beach has consumed 1,600 acres and remains only partially contained. The South Carolina Army National Guard is assisting firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, an arson suspect has been arrested, highlighting the challenges in addressing these wildfires. A statewide burning ban has been implemented amid ongoing dry weather, with hopes for rain in the forecast to alleviate conditions.
South Carolina—Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in response to surging wildfires across South Carolina, Georgia, and the Carolinas. These fires have scorched thousands of acres, leading to evacuations and heightened safety concerns for local residents. The emergencies sparked by this environmental crisis were particularly acute over the weekend as more than 175 wildfires were actively burning at one point, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.
By Monday afternoon, five major active fires were reported, including a significant blaze near Myrtle Beach that had consumed 1,600 acres by Sunday night and was only 30% contained. Evacuations were enforced in eight neighborhoods within Horry County as these fires intensified. In response to the dire situation, the South Carolina Army National Guard deployed two Black Hawk helicopters to assist firefighting efforts, deploying 600 gallons of water at a time on affected areas.
The spatial extent of the fires encompasses over 4,200 acres across several counties, including Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens. Heavy smoke blanketed the region, reducing visibility on roads and forcing some to close. The Red Cross provided shelter for approximately 135 evacuees at a recreation center in Carolina Forest. Thankfully, no injuries or structural damage were reported amid the chaos, although evacuations were lifted for some neighborhoods by early Sunday evening.
The weekend saw its share of challenges, with nearly all of the weekend’s fires reported on Saturday. Fortunately, fewer than 10 new fires broke out on Sunday. However, the ongoing threat of wildfires remains a significant concern. By Thursday morning, North Carolina reported 81 active wildfires, a decrease from over 200 earlier in the week, collectively totaling more than 1,500 acres.
Among the alarming developments, Alexandra Bialousow, a 40-year-old resident of Myrtle Beach, was arrested and is facing charges of arson and negligently allowing a fire to spread. Witnesses reported that Bialousow’s fire pit was too close to a tree line in her backyard, allowing the fire to extend onto land owned by the Walker Woods HOA. This negligent act is believed to have contributed to the Covington Drive Fire, which reached over 2,000 acres.
In light of the extreme conditions, a statewide burning ban has been implemented as dry weather continues to prevail. Those who violate this ban may face criminal prosecution. If convicted, Bialousow could be subjected to imprisonment and substantial fines.
As local officials grapple with the fire emergency, residents remain vigilant and fearful of potential escalation in fire activity. Reports have indicated that videos displayed thick plumes of smoke and debris in the air as fires encroached upon residential zones.
As hope emerges for relief, the National Weather Service has forecasted a cold front that is expected to introduce rain to the Southeast starting Tuesday, which may provide much-needed respite from the ongoing fire conditions.
The situation remains fluid, with emergency services on high alert as they strive to manage and contain the wildfires, and local communities band together to support those affected by this fiery crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AOL News: Carolina Fire Maps
- CNN: South Carolina Fire Cause
- Fox News: Myrtle Beach Woman Ignited Wildfire
- My Horry News: Wildfire FAQ
- NBC News: South Carolina Woman Arrested for Wildfire
- Google Search: South Carolina Wildfires
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
