News Summary
South Carolina has declared a state of emergency amid over 175 active wildfires, severely impacting visibility and prompting evacuations. With firefighting efforts underway, including the deployment of personnel and equipment, officials are monitoring major fires, particularly near Myrtle Beach. The state is currently in its wildfire peak season, with concerns about continued elevated risks due to ongoing dry conditions. Residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to evacuation orders as rain is anticipated soon, which may provide some relief.
South Carolina is currently facing a critical wildfire situation, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency. The emergency declaration comes in response to over 175 reported wildfires across South Carolina, fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds. As of late Sunday, five active fires remained, most notably a major fire near Myrtle Beach and others in Williamsburg and Beaufort counties.
Firefighting efforts are underway, with the deployment of approximately 410 personnel and 128 fire apparatuses dedicated to combatting the flames. Two Black Hawk helicopters are also assisting in the effort, dropping up to 600 gallons of water at a time to help contain the fires. The fire near Myrtle Beach, which has burned around 1,600 acres, is currently 30% contained as officials continue to assess the situation.
The stateโs Forestry Commission reported that heavy smoke from the fires has caused significant visibility issues, resulting in road closures in the Carolina Forest area. Following evacuations ordered for eight neighborhoods due to the dangerous conditions, about 135 residents sought shelter at a local county recreation center. Fortunately, by early Sunday evening, residents who had evacuated were allowed to return home, as officials worked to stabilize the situation.
Reports indicate that most of the estimated 175 wildfires were reported over the weekend, with less than ten new fires starting on Sunday. Officials also noted that four active fires continue to blaze in neighboring North Carolina and at least six in Georgia, with similar dry conditions allowing the flames to spread rapidly. South Carolina is currently in its peak wildfire season, raising concerns of continued elevated risks, as experts warn that the ongoing drought, identified by the USDAโs Climate Prediction Center, could worsen the conditions.
In response to the widespread fires, South Carolina legislators are considering increasing the penalties for negligent fire-starters. The recent Table Rock wildfire is a significant example, as it burned approximately 13,000 acres, with charges being filed against individuals responsible due to improper cigarette disposal. Such incidents have fostered a dialog about wildfire safety and preventative measures within the state.
As firefighting efforts continue, rain is anticipated to arrive by Tuesday, which may provide some relief to those battling the wildfires. Until then, the situation remains precarious, with state officials urging residents to stay informed and heed any evacuation orders. This emergency declaration is designed to streamline access to resources for first responders, ensuring they can address the wildfires efficiently.
Governor McMasterโs declaration underscores the seriousness of the ongoing wildfire crisis. South Carolina continues to face significant challenges in managing these wildfires, as the combination of gusty winds, low humidity, and dry conditions has fueled their rapid spread. Moving forward, quick action and community cooperation will be essential in mitigating the effects of these wildfires and protecting residents and property throughout the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- South Carolina Daily Gazette: Wildfires Prompt Bill to Increase Penalties
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- AP News: South Carolina Wildfire
- Google Search: South Carolina Wildfires
- NBC News: Cigarettes Caused South Carolinaโs Table Rock Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- ABC News: Massive South Carolina Wildfire
- Google News: South Carolina Wildfires
- The Guardian: Carolina Wildfires Forecast
- WACH: Challenges in Fighting South Carolina Wildfires
- Baptist Press: Rain Helps Control South Carolina Wildfires
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
