Wildfires Ravage 4,200 Acres in South Carolina – Governor Declares State of Emergency
March 3 – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday due to widespread wildfires across the state.
Reports indicate that more than 175 homes have caught fire, and 4,200 acres of land have been burned.
McMaster stated that firefighting teams are bravely working to control the flames. A video captured the sky turning orange as a wildfire raged through the Carolina Forest area near Myrtle Beach, while another video showed smoke and debris filling the air from a fire in a backyard in the nearby Red Hill area.
McMaster said, "This state of emergency ensures that our first responders, who are tirelessly working to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the necessary resources."
He added, "To prevent further dangerous conditions, a state-wide burning ban will remain in effect. Anyone who violates this ban will face criminal prosecution."
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that Horry County, the hardest-hit area, is receiving assistance from state partners, including aircraft to drop water on the fires.
Currently, 410 personnel and 128 firefighting units are engaged in the response efforts. Additionally, evacuations have been carried out in eight neighborhoods, and around 135 residents are taking shelter at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center in Horry County.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties or structural damage. However, evacuations are still in place in several areas, including Myrtle Beach, due to ongoing fire and weather conditions.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission also warned residents, "Those traveling in the Carolina Forest area should use caution, as smoke may reduce visibility, especially after dark."
Additionally, a statewide burning ban was implemented on Saturday, prohibiting all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires in unincorporated areas of the state.
