News Summary
Over the weekend, President Trump played golf at Mar-a-Lago while wildfires ignited a state of emergency in North and South Carolina. Dry conditions and strong winds have led to evacuations and extensive firefighting efforts in the region. With the escalating threat, residents are urged to prepare emergency kits, and authorities implement burn bans. The situation remains critical as firefighting strategies are underway to contain multiple wildfires affecting hundreds of acres.
President Trump Enjoys a Round While Fires Rage in the Carolinas
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump was spotted on the links at his Mar-a-Lago estate in sunny Palm Beach, Florida. Yet, just a short distance away, the weather isn’t nearly as pleasant as he enjoyed his swing. Wildfires have turned parts of North and South Carolina into a state of emergency, leaving many communities facing the very real threat of flames licking at their doorsteps.
Wildfires Spark Chaos in the Carolinas
As picturesque as a golf course can be, the landscape in the Carolinas paints a different story right now. With dry conditions coupled with strong winds, wildfire threats have surged, resulting in several evacuations in various neighborhoods. The situation is serious, particularly near Myrtle Beach, where firefighters battle a blaze that has already burned around 1,600 acres. Officials report that as of Sunday, only 30% of this fire is contained, demonstrating just how difficult the conditions are for those on the front lines.
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the escalating situation, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency to facilitate the fire response efforts. To that end, a statewide burn ban has been put in place to minimize any chances of further igniting these fiery threats. Fire crews are fully mobilized, and about 410 personnel currently work tirelessly to tame that roaring inferno near Myrtle Beach. They are combining excellent teamwork with logistical support to keep residents safe.
Residents Urged to Prepare
The urgency of the situation cannot be understated. Authorities have ordered evacuations in several neighborhoods in Carolina Forest, making it vital for residents to have emergency kits. It’s essential to pack supplies that will support your family in case of a prolonged absence from home.
Northern Carolina Fires Affecting Hundreds of Acres
But the blazes aren’t confined to South Carolina alone. North Carolina is also feeling the heat, with wildfires currently affecting over 400 acres across four forests. The largest, located in Uwharrie National Forest, has consumed roughly 300 acres. In a bid to stamp out this raging fire, evacuation orders have been issued for the small town of Tryon, where flames have rapidly spread, burning up to 400 acres.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
Fire officials are employing a range of strategies, from water drops via planes and helicopters to controlled burns designed to keep the flames contained. Communities across both states have been issued air quality alerts due to the heavy smoke blanketing parts of the region, diminishing visibility and placing a strain on local residents.
High Wildfire Risks Persist
Despite the incredible efforts of fire crews, the risk of wildfires remains extremely high. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has warned that conditions will not improve anytime soon. With the warm and dry weather continuing, the risk looms over both Wilmington, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina. Early reports from Monday show more than 200 wildfires across North Carolina that have already spread over nearly 2,100 acres of land.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
For those living in affected areas, staying informed is key. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has released interactive maps that show which fires are active, reported, contained, or controlled, helping residents navigate the dangerous landscape. And a stark reminder rings out that it is strictly prohibited to start a fire outdoors during these times of high alert—those caught face hefty consequences, including jail time.
The juxtaposition of President Trump enjoying a relaxing day of golf while the Carolinas battle a hostile fire season is remarkable. With so much hardship occurring close to home, the importance of community coming together to support each other cannot be emphasized enough. The rest of us can only hope that conditions improve soon, allowing both residents and firefighters to find a moment of peace amid the chaos.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfire Crisis
Massive Wildfire in Carolina Forest Forces Evacuations
Evacuation Orders Issued as Wildfire Grows Near Carolina Forest
North Myrtle Beach Secures $28 Million for Infrastructure Improvements
Congressman Fry Secures $28 Million for North Myrtle Beach Infrastructure
North Myrtle Beach Secures $28 Million for Ocean and Stormwater Projects
Myrtle Beach Prepares for Icy Weather and Potential Snowfall
Additional Resources
- New York Times: North Carolina Fires
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Fox Weather: Wildfire in South Carolina
- Google Search: Wildfires in the Carolinas
- 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.
