A surge of nearly 200 wildfires devastates the Carolinas, threatening communities and forcing evacuations along the coast.
According to Fox News, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday as firefighters battled hundreds of wildfires across North and South Carolina, with the largest blaze remaining completely uncontained.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reports approximately 5,000 acres have been consumed by flames across the state, with 170 separate fires documented. The combination of extremely low humidity levels and prolonged drought conditions has created perfect conditions for fire spread, while strong winds have accelerated the flames' advancement through the region.
The most severe fire has engulfed 1,200 acres in Carolina Forest, located approximately 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach in Horry County. More than 400 firefighters have been deployed to combat this particular blaze, utilizing 127 pieces of fire apparatus in their efforts to contain the spread.
Governor McMaster addressed the severity of the situation on the social media platform X, emphasizing the critical nature of the emergency declaration. He stated:
I have declared a State of Emergency to further support wildfire response efforts across the state and ensure our first responders continue to have the resources they need. A statewide outdoor burning ban remains in effect—violators will be prosecuted. Please stay informed.
The South Carolina Army National Guard has mobilized two Black Hawk helicopters to assist in containment efforts, each capable of carrying approximately 600 gallons of water per trip.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission has implemented a comprehensive State Forester's Burning Ban covering all counties within the state. This prohibition encompasses all forms of outdoor burning activities, including yard debris disposal, prescribed burns, and campfires in unincorporated areas.
Authorities have warned that violations of the burning ban will result in immediate arrest and prosecution. The ban will remain active indefinitely until officials determine that conditions have improved sufficiently to permit safe outdoor burning.
The commission's decision reflects the extreme fire danger present throughout the region, as firefighting resources are stretched thin across multiple emergency response zones.
The crisis extends beyond South Carolina's borders, with North Carolina facing its own firefighting challenges in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A significant brush fire, located 40 miles south of Asheville, has consumed between 400 and 500 acres.
The Melrose Fire, affecting the Saluda and Tryon communities, originated from a downed power line and rapidly ascended the mountainside. North Carolina Emergency Management has deployed aerial operations to combat the spreading flames.
Local fire departments report multiple structures face potential danger as the fire continues its advancement through the mountainous terrain. The challenging topography has complicated firefighting efforts.
As of Sunday afternoon, firefighting teams have successfully prevented structural losses and reported no injuries in the Carolina Forest fire, despite its massive scale and zero containment status. The multi-state emergency has prompted a coordinated response from various agencies, including local fire departments, state forestry services, and military support units. The deployment of National Guard helicopters represents a significant escalation in firefighting capabilities.
