News Summary
South Carolina has declared a state of emergency as wildfires rage across the region, affecting multiple counties and prompting evacuations. Governor Henry McMaster cites over 175 burning fires, including significant ones near Myrtle Beach and in Horry County. The National Guard is aiding firefighting efforts with helicopters, while the conditions worsen due to severe drought and weather patterns. Evacuation shelters are open, and forecasts indicate potential rain that may help combat the blazes. The situation remains critical as the community and authorities work diligently to ensure safety.
South Carolina has declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the region, affecting South Carolina, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Governor Henry McMaster made the announcement on Sunday, citing the urgent need to address the situation as more than 175 fires were reported burning in South Carolina alone, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds.
As of Monday afternoon, five significant fires are actively burning. This includes a major blaze near Myrtle Beach, two fires in Williamsburg County, and one in Beaufort County. Horry County has reported a fire that has already consumed approximately 1,600 acres, with containment efforts reaching only 30% as of Sunday night. Evacuations have affected residents in eight neighborhoods in Horry County, signaling the serious threat these fires pose to local communities.
The South Carolina Army National Guard is actively participating in firefighting efforts, deploying two Black Hawk helicopters to combat the blazes. Each helicopter can drop 600 gallons of water per load, tackling the flames from the air. Additionally, heavy smoke in the area has created low visibility conditions, leading to road closures and further complicating firefighting efforts.
Over 4,200 acres across various counties, including Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens, have been affected by the wildfires. Approximately 135 evacuees have sought shelter at a recreation center in Carolina Forest, while the Carolina Forest Community Church has opened its doors as a refuge for both residents and firefighters involved in battle against the flames.
An estimated 410 personnel, along with at least 128 fire apparatuses, are actively working to contain the wildfires. Fortunately, no injuries or structural damages have been reported at this time. By Sunday evening, some evacuees were permitted to return to their homes after fire containment efforts proved successful, although the dangers remain present.
Conditions are expected to improve, as a cold front is projected to bring rain by Tuesday, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. While fewer than ten new fires were reported on Sunday, the majority of the blazes ignited over the weekend, marking a critical period in firefighting efforts across the region.
The wildfires also extend to North Carolina, where four additional fires are burning and consuming several acres of national forests. Similarly, Georgia faces its challenges with at least six large fires reported, burning nearly 3,700 acres amid low humidity and strong winds—further highlighting the regional scope of the wildfire crisis.
Drought conditions, worsened by La Niña weather patterns, have increased the risk of wildfires in the Carolinas. The U.S. Climate Prediction Center indicates that moderate drought conditions may persist through early spring, adding urgency to the firefighting efforts across the affected states.
Overall, the declaration of a state of emergency in South Carolina signifies the gravity of the situation as wildfires continue to threaten lives and property. Local authorities, alongside state and national support, are diligently working to ensure the safety of residents and to mitigate the damage caused by these adverse conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: South Carolina Wildfire
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
- Google Search: South Carolina wildfires
- ABC News: South Carolina Wildfire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- SC Daily Gazette: Wildfire Penalties
- Google News: South Carolina 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.
