News Summary
The Carolina Forest Wildfire in South Carolina has been declared 100% contained after extensive firefighting efforts lasting 82 days. Initiating on March 1, the fire burned 2,059 acres near Myrtle Beach but fortunately did not completely destroy any homes. Ongoing monitoring of the area will continue as officials remain vigilant, and an investigation has led to the arrest of a local resident for violations related to the fire. Governor McMaster stresses the importance of adhering to the burn ban in place due to elevated wildfire risks in the region.
MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina – The Carolina Forest Wildfire has officially been declared 100% contained after an extensive firefighting effort that spanned 82 days. The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) announced this significant milestone on a Wednesday morning, following a period of heavy rainfall that contributed to extinguishing persistent hotspots in the area.
The wildfire ignited on March 1 and burned through 2,059 acres in the Carolina Forest region, which is located near Myrtle Beach. Despite the extensive damage caused by the fire, no homes were completely lost, though several reported damage, including issues related to melting siding and smoke infiltration.
With the fire now contained, the SCFC is committed to ongoing monitoring of the affected area until it is officially classified as controlled. This designation means there are no longer any threats of flare-ups that could reignite the wildfire.
An investigation into the cause of the fire revealed it was ignited by burning debris in a backyard, resulting in the arrest of a local resident, Alexandra Bialousow. She faces charges for allowing the fire to spread and for violating burn regulations while a burn ban was in effect.
Evacuations were ordered for residents in eight neighborhoods directly surrounding the fire area on the same day it began. Throughout March, over 175 wildfires were reported across both North and South Carolina, indicating a challenging period for firefighting efforts throughout the region.
In North Carolina, another fire had significant impacts, particularly in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with evacuations in Tryon and Saluda affecting more than 600 acres before nearing 91% containment. Wind advisories were also a concern, with gusts exceeding 40 mph, which hampered firefighting operations and caused officials to pause air drop plans for fire retardants.
In response to the heightened risk of wildfires, a burn ban remains in effect across the region. Governor Henry McMaster has emphasized the seriousness of violations related to this ban, noting that they could result in imprisonment.
The SCFC engaged a comprehensive firefighting strategy that included aerial assets, bulldozers, and brush trucks that were utilized throughout the entire operation. Meteorologists reported a quarter to an inch of rain in the area, a welcome development for firefighters, although accompanied by strong winds that could still complicate the situation.
Even after declaring the Carolina Forest Wildfire contained, officials have noted that underground hotspots remain active, leading to potential flare-ups. They encouraged local residents to report any visible smoke as they continue to monitor these conditions.
The daunting effort to contain the wildfire saw the involvement of firefighting personnel from over 40 state agencies, underlining the collaborative approach taken to address this significant emergency. As weather patterns continue to fluctuate, particularly in the context of dry spells, monitoring and readiness for potential re-ignition of the fire area will persist to ensure the safety of residents and the protection of property.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Carolina Forest Wildfire Reaches 100% Containment
- My Horry News: Carolina Forest Wildfire Reaches 100% Containment
- WBTW: Attorney Claims Innocence in Carolina Forest Wildfire Case
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
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.
