News Summary

Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina due to raging wildfires affecting thousands of acres across the Carolinas. As officials grapple with over 175 active fires, evacuations have taken place in various communities. Despite no reported injuries, firefighting efforts are underway with the support of the National Guard. As conditions improve with anticipated rain, residents are urged to stay alert for potential evacuation orders as the fire threat remains high during this peak fire season.

South Carolina Declares State of Emergency as Wildfires Rage Across the Carolinas

Governor’s Action Amid Growing Crisis

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue to ravage thousands of acres in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The declaration comes as officials report more than 175 fires across South Carolina alone, exacerbated by unusually dry conditions and strong winds.

Fire Activity and Evacuations

As of Monday afternoon, five major active fires have been identified, including a significant blaze near Myrtle Beach that has consumed 1,600 acres and is currently 30% contained. Two additional fires are burning in Williamsburg County and another in Beaufort County. Due to the severe threat posed by these fires, authorities have evacuated eight neighborhoods in Horry County.

To support firefighting efforts, the South Carolina Army National Guard has deployed two Black Hawk helicopters to assist in water-drops. Heavy smoke has led to road closures in the Carolina Forest area, with residents reporting intense flames and significant smoke, indicating the fires are spreading rapidly.

Firefighting Efforts and Statistics

Approximately 410 fire personnel and 128 fire apparatuses have been mobilized to combat the blazes. Thankfully, no injuries or structural damage have been reported as of now. In total, over 4,200 acres have been affected by fires in various counties, including Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens, but many of these fires have been contained swiftly.

While the Red Cross reported that about 135 residents sought shelter due to the fire threat, the emergency shelters have since closed, with a local church converting its space into a temporary sanctuary for displaced individuals and firefighters needing rest.

Forecast and Future Conditions

The National Weather Service has projected that conditions may begin to improve with rain expected by Tuesday. However, high winds and dry air continue to create a precarious situation, prompting residents to remain on alert for potential evacuation orders throughout the week. It remains critical for residents to be prepared given the ongoing fire risk, which is particularly high during this peak fire season.

Wildfire Spread in Surrounding States

In addition to South Carolina, North Carolina is contending with four active fires. Significant among them is the 176 Fire which has burned 481 acres and is around 30% contained as of Monday morning. Fires in North Carolina are primarily located within the boundaries of Croatan, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Pisgah national forests, collectively consuming close to 500 acres.

Georgia is also experiencing wildfire challenges, with at least six active fires consuming approximately 3,700 acres over the past week. Meanwhile, Tennessee has reported four small wildfires, which have been contained as of early Monday.

Conclusion and Legislative Responses

The ongoing wildfires have led to millions in damages and firefighting expenses across the Carolinas. Legislators are discussing potential measures to increase penalties for negligent fire-starting, as states grapple with this devastating annual threat. With the immediate danger still present, authorities urge all residents to remain vigilant and prepared for changing conditions in the days ahead.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AP News: Wildfires in the Carolinas
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• SC Daily Gazette: Wildfire Legislation
• Google Search: Wildfires in the Carolinas
• IQAir: Wildfire Map
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
• ABC News: North Carolina Wildfires
• Google News: North Carolina Wildfires
• USA Today: Wildfire Containment Updates

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.