News Summary
South Carolina has declared a state of emergency as wildfires rage across thousands of acres, prompting evacuations. Governor Henry McMaster urged citizens to prioritize safety while firefighting efforts intensify. Notably, five active fires threaten communities, particularly near Myrtle Beach, with additional fires reported in North Carolina and Georgia. Although conditions are critical, no injuries have been reported. As drought and weather synergies amplify the fire risk, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to stay informed on evacuation orders and safety measures.
South Carolina is currently facing a state of emergency due to a series of wildfires that have engulfed thousands of acres across the region, prompting mandatory evacuations and significant firefighting efforts. Governor Henry McMaster declared this emergency on Sunday in response to the growing threat posed by the fires, which have been exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds.
As of Monday afternoon, five major fires remain active in South Carolina, specifically in Myrtle Beach, Williamsburg County, and Beaufort County. The fire near Myrtle Beach has burned approximately 1,600 acres and is currently 30% contained. The residential safety of local communities is severely at risk, with mandatory evacuations ordered for residents in eight neighborhoods in Horry County due to the ongoing danger from the flames.
To combat the fires, the South Carolina Army National Guard has deployed two Black Hawk helicopters, each capable of carrying 600 gallons of water for aerial firefighting efforts. Fire conditions have become critical, leading to heavy smoke that has created low visibility in the Carolina Forest area and resulted in the closure of roads.
While the situation is serious, it is noteworthy that no injuries or structural damage related to the fires have been reported so far. Authorities indicated that most of the fires, including those in Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens counties, which consumed over 4,200 acres, were quickly contained, with fewer than ten new ignitions reported on Sunday. By Sunday evening, Horry County Fire Rescue allowed some evacuated residents to return home.
The peak potential for wildfires continues to be a concern, according to forestry officials, who are monitoring conditions closely. In addition to the fires in South Carolina, there are four active fires in North Carolina, with approximately 500 acres affected in various national forests. Meanwhile, Georgia has also reported six active fires that have burned nearly 3,700 acres over the past week. One of the notable fires, the Covington Drive Fire, began on March 1 and has consumed over 2,000 acres and is currently 90% contained.
Compounding the crisis, a Carolina Forest resident was arrested for allegedly igniting the initial wildfire, though her lawyer has denied these claims. Many residents in the area have expressed concerns over smoke damage, including some reporting issues such as melting siding on their homes.
Firefighters are remaining vigilant, monitoring hotspots to prevent flare-ups, and have warned that smoke is expected to linger due to the ongoing weather conditions. Federal forecasters attribute the dangerous fire environment to low humidity and warm temperatures, factors linked to the La Niña weather phenomenon. The U.S. Climate Prediction Center has also indicated that parts of the Carolinas will persist in a state of moderate to severe drought, increasing the risk of further fire outbreaks in the coming weeks.
As the situation develops, emergency response teams continue to prioritize the safety of residents and the containment of the wildfires. The community remains watchful and aware of the ongoing fire threats as they navigate the challenges posed by this environmental crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Fox Weather
- WYFF4
- MSN Weather
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Wildfires in the United States
- Google Search: South Carolina Wildfire
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Wildfire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Google News: South Carolina Wildfire
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
