Carolina, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Over 170 wildfires are currently raging across North and South Carolina, leading to emergency declarations and active firefighting efforts. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced a state of emergency as dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the crisis. The Horry County fire near Myrtle Beach rapidly expanded to over 2,000 acres, with evacuations and continued risks for local residents. North Carolina is also facing significant fire activity, prompting statewide bans and safety advisories. Investigations are underway regarding the causes of these fires.
Columbia, South Carolina – Over 170 wildfires are currently raging across North and South Carolina, prompting significant emergency measures as state officials respond to the growing crisis. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday in response to more than 175 wildfires that have ignited across the state, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds. This declaration aims to enhance wildfire response efforts and secure sufficient resources for firefighters battling the flames.
A statewide burning ban remains in effect in South Carolina due to the heightened risk of wildfires. The North Carolina Forest Service Assistant Commissioner Greg Hicks has cautioned residents about careless behaviors that can lead to the outbreak and spread of fires. Wind gusts between 20 and 25 mph continue to pose a significant fire risk in the affected areas.
Among the most significant fires is the one in Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach, which started on Saturday and quickly expanded. This Horry County fire has grown to 2,059 acres, doubling in size overnight, with only 30% containment reported by Tuesday morning. Although some residents were evacuated, many have since been allowed to return home; as of now, no injuries or structural losses have been reported.
In North Carolina, wildfires are burning across four national forests, with the largest fire located within the Uwharrie National Forest, consuming over 400 acres. Additionally, a brush fire in Polk County near Tryon has burned 593 acres and is currently 63% contained. Polk County Emergency Management officials have warned residents about approaching storms, emphasizing the necessity for continued burning bans until sufficient rain is received.
Firefighting efforts include the deployment of aircraft for water drops and back-burning operations by the North Carolina Forest Service. However, residents in the vicinity are cautioned about poor visibility from heavy smoke, particularly in South Carolina. The National Weather Service has indicated that dry vegetation and low humidity levels have significantly contributed to the escalation of these wildfires.
Investigations into the causes of the fires are ongoing, with the Horry County fire believed to be human-caused. In a related incident, three men and a juvenile have been charged in South Carolina for negligently allowing the Table Rock Fire to spread due to improperly extinguished cigarettes while hiking. This Table Rock fire has burned over 13,000 acres and is approximately 30% contained.
As the situation evolves, hundreds of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, particularly in areas most affected by the wildfires. The Black Cove complex fire is identified as the highest-priority wildfire in the U.S., and firefighters from states including Oregon are assisting with containment efforts. In North Carolina, the governor has declared a state of emergency for 34 western counties amid continuing fire threats.
While rain is in the forecast, it is not expected to completely extinguish the active wildfires. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines as the crisis continues to unfold.
Key Statistics of the Wildfire Situation
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Wildfires | Over 170 in North and South Carolina |
| South Carolina Fires | More than 175 fires reported |
| Horry County Fire Size | Grew to 2,059 acres |
| Table Rock Fire Size | Over 13,000 acres, 30% contained |
| Polk County Brush Fire Size | 593 acres, 63% contained |
| High Wind Gusts | 20 to 25 mph |
| Emergency Declaration Areas | 34 western counties in North Carolina |
FAQs
What are the current wildfire conditions in the Carolinas?
Over 170 wildfires are burning across North and South Carolina; the situation has led to a state of emergency in South Carolina.
What actions have been taken to combat the wildfires?
Aircraft have been deployed for water drops and back-burning operations, and a statewide burning ban is in effect in South Carolina.
Have there been any injuries reported from the wildfires?
As of now, no injuries or structural losses have been reported amid the ongoing wildfires.
What caused the Table Rock Fire?
Three men and a juvenile have been charged with negligently allowing the Table Rock Fire to spread due to improperly extinguished cigarettes while hiking.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Carolina Wildfires Prompt State of Emergency
Additional Resources
- AOL News
- South Carolina Forestry Commission Facebook
- AP News
- ABC News
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Google Search: Carolina wildfires
- Google Scholar: Carolina wildfires
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Google News: Carolina wildfires
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.
