News Summary
A large wildfire erupted near Conway, SC, on Friday, covering approximately 7 acres and prompting road closures and quick emergency response efforts. Local firefighters are working alongside other departments to contain the blaze, which is affecting the surrounding community. While authorities contain the fire, residents are advised to avoid the area and remain vigilant due to smoke and potential hazards. The situation is evolving as more updates are expected.
Large Wildfire Near Conway, SC Causes Road Closures and Emergency Response Efforts
Conway, South Carolina is facing a dramatic scene as a large wildfire erupted late Friday afternoon. Reports indicate that the blaze began just off U.S. 501 around 4:45 p.m., rapidly expanding to cover approximately 7 acres in size. As the sun began to set, firefighters and emergency crews sprang into action to combat the growing threat.
Impact on the Community
Residing in the vicinity of West Perry Road, Myrtle Ridge Drive, and Middle Ridge Avenue, local residents are seeing first-hand the effects of this wildfire, with Middle Ridge Avenue now closed between Myrtle Ridge Drive and West Perry Road. The fire has prompted a swift response from Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) and other neighboring departments, who are working diligently to protect structures near the fire while ensuring the safety of the community.
As authorities assessed the situation, updates around 7:05 p.m. confirmed that contingencies were in place to shield nearby properties from potential damage. Thankfully, prevailing wind conditions appear to be aiding firefighters by keeping the bulk of the fire within a contained area, allowing for more focused firefighting efforts.
The Ground Response
In a display of teamwork, the South Carolina Forestry Commission dispatched two plows to create fire lines around the affected area to prevent further spread. Aerial support is also in the mix, with state fire crews deploying a plane for reconnaissance, providing crucial information to ground teams fighting this blaze.
On the ground, firefighters from the City of Conway Fire Department, Myrtle Beach Fire Department, and North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue joined forces, saturating the north side of Middle Ridge Avenue with water. Their primary goal? To stave off the fire’s advancement towards the busy Highway 501. The smoke from the wildfire is considerable and has become visible from considerable distances away.
Separating Incidents
Interestingly, fire officials clarified that this wildfire is not associated with the ongoing Covington Drive wildfire located in Carolina Forest, which has been significantly larger, covering approximately 2,059 acres and currently reported at 80% containment. Fire crews have been dealing with flare-ups related to that fire throughout the week, emphasizing the ongoing challenges posed by these wildfires. A permanent burn ban remains in effect across Horry County as the dry conditions continue to pose risks.
Safety First
In light of recent events, local authorities are requesting the public to steer clear of areas surrounding the wildfire for safety reasons. As environmental conditions fluctuate, warnings regarding potential breathing hazards have been issued, particularly as smoke has been reported in nearby neighborhoods.
Current Status
By 8 p.m. the same day, updates from the South Carolina Forestry Commission confirmed that the fire along West Perry Road has officially been contained. The Horry County Police Department is also stepping up, providing traffic control around the incident area to keep everyone safe.
This situation has been evolving rapidly since the initial reports came in, with more updates expected as firefighters continue to tackle the challenges posed by both the current wildfire and the larger Covington Drive incident.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story as Conway and its neighboring areas contend with the flames!
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Crews Respond to Large Wildfire Conway Area
- Google Search: Horry County wildfire
- WBTW News: Myrtle Beach Lawmaker Seeks Heavier Punishments for Public Burning
- Google Scholar: wildfires in South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach Online: Wildfire Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: wildfires
- Fox News: Myrtle Beach Woman Ignited Wildfire
- Google News: Carolina Forest wildfire
- CBS News: Carolina Fires Map
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.
