Firefighters in South and North Carolina are battling 175 wildfires that started overnight due to strong winds and dry weather. These fires are endangering homes and forcing people to leave their areas for safety.
As of Sunday, the fires had burned about 4,200 acres across different parts of South Carolina, including Horry, Spartanburg, Oconee, Union, and Pickens counties. Firefighters are working hard to control them.
Major Fire in Carolina Forest
One of the biggest fires is burning in Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It quickly spread and burned over 1,600 acres. The fire threatened neighborhoods like Walkers Woods and Avalon. However, firefighters managed to contain about 30% of it by Sunday afternoon. The evacuation order was lifted later that evening.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission shared on social media that all residents who had to leave could now return home.
State of Emergency Declared
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced a state of emergency on Sunday. This allows firefighters and emergency workers to get more help and resources.
To prevent more fires, the governor also put a ban on outdoor burning across the state. He warned that anyone who starts a fire outdoors could face jail time. The ban will continue until the fire risk decreases.
Cause of Fires Under Investigation
The cause of the Carolina Forest Fire is still unknown, but strong winds up to 40 mph and dry weather made it worse. Another wildfire in Horry County, north of Carolina Forest, had burned 300 acres and was out of control by Sunday morning.
Other Fires Across the Region
In Georgetown County, about 35 miles from Myrtle Beach, another fire started on Saturday. It burned over 800 acres and forced evacuations in Prince George. Firefighters were able to control the fire by Sunday morning, and most evacuation orders were removed.
Meanwhile, in Pickens County, a fire in the Six Mile Mountain area forced people to evacuate. Firefighters acted quickly and stopped it from spreading to houses. By Sunday, it was 85% contained after burning about 300 acres.
In North Carolina’s Polk County, a fast-moving fire began on Saturday afternoon. It threatened the towns of Melrose, Tryon, and Saluda, leading to evacuation orders. Officials said the fire started when a power line fell near Highway 176. By Saturday night, it had spread to 400 acres with no control reported.
Fire Danger Remains High
Authorities warned that dry and windy weather is making it easier for fires to spread. Red flag warnings were in place across the Carolinas, but many expired on Sunday morning as the winds became calmer. However, parts of New Mexico and Texas are now at risk of wildfires as well.
Firefighters continue to work hard to control the fires and keep people safe.
