News Summary
North and South Carolina are facing critical fire conditions, prompting evacuation orders in several regions. Wildfires fueled by dry and windy weather have led to significant damage, with major incidents reported in Polk County, NC, and Carolina Forest, SC. The states are battling multiple wildfires with the assistance of aerial support and controlled burns to mitigate risks. Emergency shelters have been established for evacuees as firefighting efforts continue amidst rising wildfire statistics and hazardous conditions.
Wildfires Spark Evacuations Across North and South Carolina Amid Critical Fire Conditions
North Carolina and South Carolina are currently facing critical fire conditions as wildfires have prompted evacuation orders across various regions. On Saturday, brush fires fueled by dry and windy weather erupted, leading to significant damages and safety concerns.
Current Fire Status
In North Carolina’s Polk County, a wildfire has consumed between 400 to 500 acres and remains at zero containment as of Sunday. Local officials have expressed concerns that nearby structures could be at risk, prompting assessments of potential damage planned for Sunday morning. To help manage the spread of the wildfire, the North Carolina Fire Service conducted controlled burns on Sunday to mitigate risks and strengthen existing fire lines.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Residents along U.S. Highway 176 between Tryon and Saluda have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders. Tryon has about 1,500 residents, while Saluda is home to fewer than 1,000 people. Both towns are situated approximately 40 miles south of Asheville.
In South Carolina, Horry County Fire Rescue has also issued evacuation orders for several neighborhoods in Carolina Forest, located around 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach. Here, a forest fire has burned at least 1,600 acres but is reported to be at 30% containment. These evacuations were lifted later on Sunday, although residents have been cautioned about potential rekindling and hotspots. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday, reflecting the seriousness of the ongoing wildfires.
Firefighting Efforts
To combat the wildfires, helicopters and airplanes have been deployed to drop water on affected areas, with additional support from tractors to create fire lines. The South Carolina Army National Guard is conducting aerial operations as part of the fire management efforts. Firefighters are encountering difficulty accessing areas due to challenging terrain and debris, particularly from trees that were damaged during Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Weather and Conditions
Fire conditions have escalated significantly through March, traditionally the month where South Carolina experiences the highest number of wildfires. More than 100 ignitions were recorded on Saturday alone, which prompted a statewide burn ban in South Carolina. A red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service for western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina expired late Saturday night.
Wildfire Statistics and Background Information
Recent reports indicate a marked increase in the number of wildfires across both states, with the South Carolina Forestry Commission reporting a dramatic rise in incidents compared to typical years. The ongoing wildfires are further exacerbated by dry conditions and decaying debris, which have resulted in multiple smoldering remains and significant engagement from public safety agencies, who are advising residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.
As firefighting efforts continue, both states face an uphill battle in managing these blazes, with resources being stretched thin amid critical fire conditions. Emergency shelters have been established for evacuees, providing safety during this alarming situation. The community is encouraged to stay informed as efforts to combat the wildfires proceed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: Wildfires in South Carolina and North Carolina
- Google Search: wildfires North South Carolina
- The Guardian: North and South Carolina Wildfires
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Wildfires Prompt Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- ABC News: Massive South Carolina Wildfire
- Google News: South 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.
