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South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Due to Wildfires

South Carolina Wildfires Emergency Response

News Summary

South Carolina is facing a severe wildfire outbreak, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency. With over 175 fires reported across the state, evacuations are in place, particularly in Horry County, where heavy smoke has limited visibility. The South Carolina National Guard is involved in firefighting efforts, utilizing helicopters to drop water on affected areas. While rain is expected soon, the current situation remains critical with potential impacts on local residents, as wildfires also affect regions in North Carolina and Georgia.

South Carolina Declares State of Emergency as Wildfires Consume Thousands of Acres

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday due to rampant wildfires affecting areas across the Carolinas and Georgia. As of Monday afternoon, over 175 fires were reported burning in South Carolina, fueled by unusually dry conditions and strong winds.

The National Weather Service has indicated that while the dry weather conditions are expected to ease with a cold front bringing rain by Tuesday, the immediate impact of the wildfires remains severe. Active fires reported include five major incidents located near Myrtle Beach, in Williamsburg County, and in Beaufort County.

Current Status of Wildfires

One of the most significant fires near Myrtle Beach has burned approximately 1,600 acres and is currently 30% contained. To manage the situation, evacuations were ordered for eight neighborhoods in Horry County, where multiple fires have been raging. Heavy smoke in areas such as the Carolina Forest has reduced visibility, prompting road closures and hindering evacuation efforts.

As part of the firefighting efforts, the South Carolina Army National Guard has deployed Black Hawk helicopters to drop water on the wildfires, delivering 600 gallons at a time. Approximately 410 personnel and 128 fire apparatuses are actively combatting the spread of fire across affected regions.

Impact on Residents and Local Communities

As of Sunday night, around 135 residents sought shelter at a county recreation center, which was unfortunately closed on Monday morning due to safety concerns. The Carolina Forest Community Church has been opened as a refuge for both local residents and firefighters engaged in combatting the wildfires.

No injuries or structural damage from the fires have been reported thus far. However, local authorities have expressed concerns about the rapid escalation of flames as wind conditions change, which has aggravated the situation in multiple neighborhoods, especially in Horry County.

Wider Regional Effects

The wildfires in South Carolina are part of a larger scenario affecting both North Carolina and Georgia. A second wave of wildfires in North Carolina has led to four active fires burning nearly 500 acres by Monday. In Georgia, six active wildfires are covering almost 3,700 acres during the same period, driven by the prevailing dry weather.

Approximately 4,200 acres in South Carolina have been impacted across Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens counties, although many of these fires were quickly contained. The high-pressure system present in the region has resulted in low humidity and dry conditions, further contributing to the wildfire risk.

Environmental Context and Future Outlook

The ongoing drought has placed the Carolinas in their peak wildfire season. The National Weather Service attributes these dry conditions to a combination of environmental factors, including the La Niña weather phenomenon that often brings warmer and drier winters to the region. Although rain is forecasted to occur late Tuesday into Wednesday, residents are advised to remain cautious due to persisting dry conditions that may still pose a risk for further fire spread.

Local officials and first responders have been praised for their rapid response and dedication in addressing these wildfires, particularly following McMaster’s emergency declaration, which was made to expedite resource allocation and assistance for affected communities.

As these wildfires continue to develop, authorities are closely monitoring the situation while remaining prepared to adapt their response to changing conditions.