News Summary
Alexandra Bialousow, a 40-year-old woman, has been arrested for allegedly igniting a wildfire that has charred over 2,000 acres in South Carolina. The Covington Drive Fire, which began in her backyard, has endangered numerous homes and led to a state of emergency declared by Governor Henry McMaster. Bialousow faces serious charges for carelessly allowing the fire to spread, with a court appearance scheduled. The wildfire is among several that have raised concerns due to the ongoing dry conditions in the region.
Myrtle Beach – A 40-year-old woman, Alexandra Bialousow, has been arrested in connection with a massive wildfire that has swept across over 2,000 acres in South Carolina. Bialousow faces charges for negligently allowing a fire to spread and for starting a fire in woodlands and grasslands without the necessary precautions, according to authorities. The wildfire, known as the Covington Drive Fire, has endangered the lives and properties of hundreds of residents in the area.
The incident began on March 1 when witnesses reported seeing Bialousow ignite a fire in her backyard fire pit, located near a tree line in the Covington Lake subdivision. The arrest warrant revealed that Bialousow failed to have an appropriate water source readily available and did not possess any garden tools to control the fire once it was lit. Shortly after it was ignited, the fire spread uncontrollably to nearby land owned by the Walker Woods Homeowners Association (HOA).
As of Saturday afternoon, the South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that the Covington Drive Fire is now 55% contained, with no significant injuries reported as a result of this wildfire. However, this incident is part of a larger trend of wildfires, with over 175 fires burning in South Carolina recently, collectively scorching more than 4,000 acres.
In response to the alarming increase in wildfire incidents, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday. A statewide burning ban was implemented immediately, prohibiting outdoor burning activities. Violators of this ban may face criminal prosecution, highlighting the seriousness of the current wildfire situation.
Authorities began evacuating certain neighborhoods to ensure the safety of residents, although those evacuation orders were later lifted with no structures reported as destroyed. The South Carolina Forestry Commission received its first report of the Covington Drive Fire at approximately 2:30 p.m. on March 1, originating from a backyard fire.
Bialousow is set to appear in court in Horry County on April 15. Each of the charges against her could result in a maximum penalty of 30 days imprisonment or fines if she is convicted. Following her arrest, Bialousow was released from jail after posting a bond set at $7,500 for each charge. Notably, she has no prior criminal history and is employed in therapy roles across various institutions, including hospitals, schools, and assisted living centers.
The ongoing wildfires have raised concerns among residents and officials alike, especially given the abnormally dry conditions in the region that have contributed to the fires’ rapid spread. As the situation continues to develop, local authorities are closely monitoring the Covington Drive Fire and other wildfire incidents across the state to ensure the safety of residents and their properties.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Scripps News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Wildfire
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Fire
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Wildfire
- WBTV
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). 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 Myrtle Beach Area 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 updating content as new details emerge.
