News Summary
South Carolina is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, leading Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency. With over 175 active fires reported, including a significant blaze near Myrtle Beach, efforts are underway to combat the flames. The situation is exacerbated by dry conditions and gusty winds, making firefighting challenging. The National Guard has deployed helicopters to assist, while evacuations have been ordered for several neighborhoods. As neighboring states also face wildfires, the risk remains high across the region, with hopes for rain to aid firefighting efforts.
South Carolina is currently facing a significant wildfire crisis, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency on Sunday. The emergency declaration comes as over 175 active fires have been reported across the state, exacerbated by dry conditions and gusty winds.
By Monday afternoon, five notable fires were confirmed, including a major blaze near Myrtle Beach and others in Williamsburg and Beaufort counties. The Myrtle Beach fire has burned approximately 1,600 acres and is currently 30% contained. This incident has already led to the evacuation of eight neighborhoods in the area.
In response to the escalating situation, the South Carolina Army National Guard has deployed two Black Hawk helicopters to assist firefighting efforts. These helicopters are dropping 600 gallons of water at a time on the flames. Meanwhile, heavy smoke in the region has resulted in low visibility, prompting authorities to close certain roads for safety.
As a precaution, around 135 residents from the Carolina Forest area sought refuge at a local recreation center, although this shelter was closed the next morning as the situation stabilized. Social media users have shared videos showing an eerie orange sky above the active fire zones, highlighting the intense conditions on the ground.
State officials have reported that over 4,200 acres have been affected by fires across various counties, including Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens, with most of these fires being quickly contained. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has indicated that fire alarms are exhibiting erratic behavior due to the ever-changing wind conditions, complicating firefighting efforts.
One area of significant concern is the Covington Drive wildfire, which ignited on March 1. This fire has led to multiple evacuations and notable property damage, having already consumed more than 2,000 acres and causing smoke damage to nearby homes. Investigators have arrested a woman for allegedly starting this fire while burning yard debris without the necessary precautions.
Throughout the weekend, fire reports indicated that less than ten new blazes emerged, primarily due to ongoing dry conditions and gusty winds. However, firefighters are contending with deep smoldering hotspots that continue to produce smoke and visibility issues in the region.
Beyond South Carolina, neighboring states are also battling wildfires. North Carolina has been facing challenges with active fires, particularly in its national forests, affecting a total of nearly 500 acres. Georgia has reported at least six active fires, burning nearly 3,700 acres in the past week, driven by similar dry conditions.
The ongoing dry spell has been attributed to high-pressure systems contributing to low humidity levels across South Carolina. Additionally, drought conditions are pervasive throughout much of the Carolinas, further heightening the risk of wildfires. Fortunately, the National Weather Service has predicted rain for the region by Tuesday, which may assist firefighting efforts and help contain the existing fires.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders or local authority instructions, while firefighting personnel continue to combat ongoing threats from wildfires across the state.
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