News Summary
North and South Carolina are facing over 170 wildfires, causing health alerts and evacuations due to poor air quality. Authorities are on the ground to control the largest fire near Myrtle Beach, which has consumed around 1,600 acres. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency and imposed a burn ban. With air quality worsening, vulnerable residents are advised to stay indoors, and fire incidents are reportedly higher than usual this year, highlighting significant environmental concerns.
North and South Carolina Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Health Alerts
North and South Carolina are currently battling over 170 wildfires, with authorities urging residents to take precautions due to deteriorating air quality. Firefighters are actively working to gain control over the blazes, including the largest fire near Myrtle Beach, which has consumed approximately 1,600 acres of land.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that the Carolina Forest fire is about 30% contained, but visibility in the surrounding area remains “very low” due to heavy smoke. In response to the worsening situation, evacuations were ordered for residents of Carolina Forest earlier, but authorities allowed them to return home on Sunday.
As a precautionary measure, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday, which also instituted a statewide burn ban. To combat the wildfires, the South Carolina Forestry Commission is using aerial water drops to suppress the flames.
Health and Safety Concerns
An air-quality alert has been issued for Horry County, including Myrtle Beach, advising residents to stay indoors due to unhealthy smoke levels. Health officials are particularly concerned about vulnerable groups, such as individuals with asthma or heart disease, recommending that they limit outdoor activities during this period.
The smoke problems have been exacerbated by Canadian wildfires, which are contributing to poor air quality across the upper Midwest and parts of the U.S., including the Carolinas. Air quality in several states has reached “unhealthy” levels, with hazy conditions expected to persist as Canadian smoke continues to drift south because of prevailing wind patterns.
Wildfire-related smoke has increased levels of NP 2.5 particulate matter, raising concerns about its health risks as these fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs. Ground-level ozone levels are also anticipated to rise due to sunny weather and temperatures projected to hit the 80s, potentially worsening air quality.
Widespread Fire Incidences
This year alone, North Carolina has experienced over 4,000 wildfires, resulting in the destruction of more than 24,000 acres of land. A public viewer map is available, allowing the public to track wildfires in real-time across the state, indicating whether fires are reported, active, contained, or controlled.
In light of the air quality issues, authorities are recommending that residents take steps to mitigate air pollution. Suggested actions include limiting driving and reducing electricity usage to cut down on emissions. Over the weekend, concentrations of fine particulate matter reached the low range of moderate pollution, heightening health risks for residents.
The ongoing wildfire situation in North and South Carolina highlights the significant challenges faced by local communities in managing natural disasters, the repercussions on public health, and the accompanying environmental concerns. As efforts continue to control the wildfires, residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WXII 12 News: Canadian Fires Smoke Impacting North Carolina Air Quality
- Wikipedia: Wildfires in the United States
- ABC11: Wildfires Causes Hazy Conditions in North Carolina
- Google Search: Wildfires North and South Carolina
- News Observer: Wildfire Updates in North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Spectrum Local News: Wildfires in Western North Carolina
- Google Search: Air Quality North Carolina Wildfires
- AP News: Wildfires in North and South Carolina
- Google News: Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke
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.
