South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Due to Wildfires

News Summary

South Carolina has declared a state of emergency as wildfires rage across the state and into Georgia, affecting thousands of acres, prompting evacuations, and straining local resources. With over 175 wildfires reported, the situation is exacerbated by dry weather and strong winds. The state has mobilized first responders, including helicopters, to combat the blazes. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, although heavy smoke has led to road closures. A cold front is expected to bring rain, offering hope for relief from the ongoing crisis.

South Carolina has declared a state of emergency as wildfires rage across the state and neighboring Georgia, resulting in significant damage and evacuation orders. Governor Henry McMaster issued the emergency declaration in response to hundreds of wildfires that have scorched thousands of acres, particularly affecting areas such as Myrtle Beach and Horry County.

Reports indicate that at one point, over 175 wildfires were documented across South Carolina. By Monday afternoon, five major fires remained active, which include a significant blaze near Myrtle Beach that has burned approximately 1,600 acres and is about 30% contained as of Sunday night. Evacuations were mandated in eight neighborhoods within Horry County due to these ongoing fires.

Main factors contributing to the rapid spread of the wildfires include unusually dry weather and strong winds. The current wildfire situation is exacerbated by a drought characterized by low humidity and dry fuels, raising concerns for additional fire risks in the region. However, a cold front is anticipated to bring rain starting Tuesday, which could help alleviate the dry conditions affecting the Southeast.

Among the first responders tackling the wildfires, the South Carolina Army National Guard deployed two Black Hawk helicopters to drop water on the affected areas, each capable of carrying 600 gallons at a time. In addition, about 410 personnel and at least 128 fire apparatuses were mobilized to fight the blazes. Heavy smoke from the fires has resulted in reduced visibility in the Carolina Forest area, prompting multiple road closures.

Residents in affected areas have described the situation as intense, with flames and smoke creating an environment reminiscent of a tornado. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or destruction of structures linked to the fires. Residents who had evacuated were permitted to return home by early Sunday evening, alleviating some of the panic during the crisis.

In addition to the fires in South Carolina, neighboring Georgia has also experienced significant wildfire activity, with at least six active fires burning nearly 3,700 acres over the past week. Tennessee has faced similar challenges, with 81 wildfires reported statewide burning approximately 822 acres recently, although four small wildfires there have been contained.

While the fires have predominantly affected South Carolina, over 4,200 acres have been impacted in regions such as Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens counties. Fortunately, the majority of these fires were contained quickly. The Red Cross has provided temporary shelter for around 135 residents from the Carolina Forest area, though this shelter was closed by Monday morning due to improving conditions. Carolina Forest Community Church has offered its facilities as a sanctuary for both local residents and firefighters working tirelessly to combat the flames.

As of now, firefighters are also engaged in combating blazes across four national forests in North Carolina, which have burned a total of nearly 500 acres. The ongoing conditions driving these wildfires are attributed to a La Niña phenomenon, which often contributes to warmer and drier winters in the region. A high-pressure system is currently in place, causing warm temperatures and low humidity levels, but precipitation is forecasted with the arrival of the cold front later this week.

The emergency declaration allows first responders to quickly secure necessary resources in combating the wildfires, and while the situation remains serious, the forecasted rain brings a glimmer of hope for rain-soaked relief from the ongoing crisis.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WSPA: South Carolina Governor Declares State of Emergency for Wildfires
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• HuffPost: South Carolina and Georgia Wildfires
• Google Search: South Carolina wildfires 2023
• CNN: South Carolina Wildfires Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drought
• NBC News: South Carolina and Georgia Wildfires Disrupt Communities
• Google News: Wildfires USA

Author: HERE Greenwood