News Summary
The Table Rock Fire at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina has grown to over 13,000 acres due to negligence from four teenage hikers. A mandatory evacuation is in place for nearby communities, and air quality has been impacted by smoke. Firefighters face challenges due to steep terrain while managing the blaze, which is classified as complex. A statewide burn ban has been instituted to prevent additional fires, highlighting the importance of outdoor safety.
Table Rock Fire in South Carolina Expands to Over 13,000 Acres; Negligent Hikers Charged
The Table Rock Fire at Table Rock State Park in Pickens County, South Carolina, has grown to an estimated 13,287 acres as firefighting efforts continue. The fire began on March 21, 2025, ignited by four teenage hikers who carelessly discarded cigarettes in the dry forest, leading to their arrest and misdemeanor charges for negligence.
A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for communities north of Highway 11, extending from Aunt Sue’s to the Greenville County line. Evacuation shelters have been set up at Marietta First Baptist Church to accommodate displaced residents. In addition to the evacuation orders, residents have been dealing with hazardous air quality caused by smoke from the fire.
Firefighting efforts have seen significant progress, especially regarding the construction of containment lines on the eastern and southern edges of the blaze. Over 100 personnel from various firefighting agencies are actively involved in tackling the fire, which is classified as a “complex” fire due to its simultaneous management with the nearby Persimmon Ridge Fire.
In an effort to combat the flames from above, ground crews have deployed two Black Hawk helicopters and two Chinook helicopters from the South Carolina National Guard, which have been conducting water drops on the fire. However, aerial operations faced temporary challenges due to rainfall and cloud cover but improved later in the day, allowing for effective water drops.
The fire has expanded westward along the forested watershed, impacting areas such as Brushy Knob. With low humidity and high winds forecasted, officials expect an uptick in fire activity. Ground crews are facing difficulties with the steep terrain, which is unsuitable for heavy machinery, making their work more challenging.
As the situation continues to evolve, officials have maintained a statewide burn ban, prohibiting all outdoor burning to prevent further fire dangers. As a precautionary measure, Table Rock State Park has temporarily closed all trails, campgrounds, and visitor access. Residents nearby have been urged to avoid the area for their safety.
In response to the needs of the firefighting crews, donations are being accepted at the Holly Springs Fire Department. Efforts to contain the fire are ongoing, with monitoring and construction of fire lines around threatened properties continuing throughout the region.
The Table Rock Fire highlights the risks associated with negligence in outdoor settings, underscoring the importance of following safety guidelines when enjoying nature. The community’s resilience and the coordinated response of emergency services are vital as they confront this challenging situation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC News: Cigarettes Caused South Carolina’s Table Rock Fire
- WYFF4: Table Rock Wildfire Arrests in South Carolina
- IQAir: Wildfire Map Spotlight – Table Rock Fire, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Google Search: Table Rock Fire South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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