Walhalla, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for high fire danger in Oconee County until Thursday afternoon, amid dry and windy conditions heightening risks. A wildfire near Walhalla has expanded to 474 acres, with 75% containment reported. As of now, no properties are threatened, but firefighters are facing challenges from changing wind conditions. A state of emergency has been declared, and a burning ban is currently in effect across specific counties, urging residents to exercise caution.
Walhalla, South Carolina
The National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg SC has issued a weather alert for high fire danger in Oconee County and surrounding areas until 3 p.m. on Thursday. This alert, which was released at 1:27 a.m. on Thursday, affects multiple regions, including the Oconee and Pickens Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, and several counties including Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg.
Dry and windy conditions are anticipated, with minimum relative humidity values ranging from 20 to 30 percent and wind gusts between 15-25 mph. These environmental conditions, along with the presence of dry fuels, are heightening the fire danger across western North Carolina, the South Carolina Upstate, and northeast Georgia. As a precaution, residents are urged to check with local burn permitting authorities before any outdoor burning and to exercise extreme caution if they decide to burn.
A wildfire near Walhalla, which began on Saturday at approximately 1:15 p.m. near Lake Jemiki Road, has expanded to 474 acres as of Tuesday. Currently, around 90 firefighters along with three aircraft are actively engaged in controlling the fire. According to Oconee County Emergency Management Director Scott Krein, there are no homes or buildings currently threatened, and no injuries have been reported. The fire is approximately 75% contained as of Thursday afternoon.
However, wind conditions are causing flames to jump the fire line, presenting ongoing challenges to containment efforts. The region experienced some relief with recent rainfall amounting to 0.97 inches, which has helped suppress fire activity, although certain interior pockets continue to burn.
A burning ban is currently in effect in South Carolina due to the elevated fire risk. Governor McMaster has declared a state of emergency as wildfires rage across the state. While the State Forester’s Burning Ban for 41 counties has been lifted, five counties, including Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg, remain under the ban.
Additionally, the Table Rock Complex Fire has emerged as South Carolina’s largest mountain wildfire in history, growing to over 12,000 acres with only 30% containment reported. Residents are cautioned that outdoor burns that escape containment will lead to legal ramifications. April is historically significant for damaging wildfires in South Carolina, and average fire danger and activity levels are projected to continue throughout the month.
In a related incident, a deadly fire occurred at a mobile home on Wells Highway in Seneca, reported at 7 a.m. on the same day as the wildfire alert. The Oconee County Coroner’s Office confirmed that a man died at the scene, with identification pending prior to releasing his name. The incident is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current fire danger level in Oconee County?
The National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg SC issued a weather alert for fire danger until 3 p.m. on Thursday.
How large has the wildfire near Walhalla grown?
As of Tuesday, the wildfire has grown to 474 acres.
What is the level of containment of the wildfire?
The fire is about 75% contained as of Thursday afternoon.
Is there currently a burning ban in effect in South Carolina?
Yes, a burning ban is currently in effect in South Carolina due to high fire risk.
Key Features of the Oconee County Wildfire Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Walhalla, Lake Jemiki Road |
| Size | 474 acres |
| Containment Level | 75% contained |
| Firefighters Involved | Approximately 90 |
| Associated Conditions | Dry and windy, with humidity at 20-30% |
| Governor’s Action | Declared a state of emergency |
| Burning Ban Status | In effect for specific counties |
| Related Incident | Deadly mobile home fire in Seneca |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: Oconee County fire risk
- WYFF 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Walhalla wildfire
Author: HERE Greenwood
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