Massive wildfires across the Carolinas have forced evacuations of multiple neighborhoods, particularly in the Carolina Forest area near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where a fire has grown to approximately 1,200 acres.
According to the State Fire Marshal, there are ongoing response operations to more than 175 wildfires, impacting 4,200 acres across the state, including Horry, Spartanburg, Oconee, Union, and Pickens Counties primarily due to dry, windy conditions.
Newsweek contacted the South Carolina Forestry Commission via email on Sunday for comment.
The Context
The rapidly spreading wildfires threaten thousands of residents in populated areas, with hundreds already displaced from their homes.
These fires come amid unusually dry conditions in the region, with February rainfall 1.5 to 2.5 inches below average in the Carolinas, creating perfect conditions for wildfires to spread quickly when combined with gusty winds and low humidity.
Why To Know
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency to support wildfire response efforts, and the state’s Forestry Commission has implemented a statewide burning ban.
Evacuation orders have expanded overnight to include multiple Carolina Forest neighborhoods including Indigo Bay, the Farm, Summerlyn, parts of Walkers Woods, Avalon, and sections of Covington Lakes, Spring Lake, and Blackberry Lane, according to officials. International Drive has been closed between Highway 90 and area schools to facilitate emergency response.
In North Carolina, 400-500 acres have burned in the Blue Ridge mountains near the towns of Tryon and Saluda, forcing residents to evacuate.
The U.S. Forest Service is responding to wildfires in all four national forests in North Carolina, with the largest fire currently in Croatan National Forest where at least 114 acres have burned. Horry County Fire Rescue has deployed 410 personnel with 127 fire apparatus to battle the blaze, using drones to monitor fire movement.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the Southeast due to critical fire danger conditions.
City of Conway
Understanding Wildfires in South Carolina
Any forest fire, brush fire, grass fire, or other outdoor fire that is not controlled and supervised is classified as a wildfire.
The Palmetto State experiences approximately 3,000 wildfires annually, burning an average of 18,000 acres—one of the highest rates in the nation considering the state’s size and population, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
The most common cause of wildfires in South Carolina is debris burning (35 – 45 percent), followed by woods arson (25 – 30 percent). Wildfire season typically peaks in late winter and early spring, with March often being the most active month, though some of the largest fires have occurred in early April.
Horry County Fire Rescue
What People Are Saying
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster: “This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need.”
McMaster added: “Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice. Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”
Weather Channel Meteorologist Robb Ellis: “Wildfires are not only common in parts of the Carolinas but are part of the natural ecosystem of the area, especially in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain. Pine forests regularly rely on wildfire for the release of seeds from pinecones and to clear vegetation for new growth.”
Horry County Fire Rescue on Facebook: “Should an evacuation occur; public safety personnel will go through the neighborhood knocking on doors to notify residents of the risk of remaining in place. Act swiftly if told to evacuate. As of this time, no structures have succumbed to the wildfire, and no injuries are reported.”
What Happens Next
Emergency personnel will continue firefighting efforts while monitoring wind patterns that could change the fire’s direction.
Evacuated residents are being directed to the Carolina Forest Recreation Center, which has been set up with cots, food, and other necessities for displaced people.
Officials encourage Carolinians to stay informed through official emergency sources and call 911 to report any immediate threats.