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Evacuation Orders Issued as Wildfire Grows Near Carolina Forest

News Summary

A rapidly spreading wildfire has prompted evacuation orders for multiple neighborhoods in Carolina Forest, covering approximately 1,200 acres. Authorities have listed several specific areas for evacuation, urging residents to prepare for the escalating situation. While no structures have been lost and no injuries reported, the community is on high alert as safety personnel work hard to manage the fire, with local businesses offering support to displaced residents.

Evacuation Orders Issued as Wildfire Grows Near Carolina Forest

Carolina Forest is finding itself in quite the pickle this weekend as a wildfire spreads rapidly, now covering a staggering 1,200 acres. As of early Sunday morning, local safety officials sprang into action, issuing evacuation orders for several neighborhoods, and residents are bracing themselves for the intense situation at hand.

Where Are the Evacuations Happening?

By 6:12 a.m. on Sunday, authorities had pinpointed a number of areas where residents needed to hightail it out:

Blackberry Lane from Spring Lake Drive, including Pennyroyal Ct., Alyssum Ct., and Bluebonnet Ct.
Harvest Drive from Moonbeam Ct. to Tidelands Ct. in the Spring Lake community.
The coveted Reserve area of the Walkers Woods neighborhood.
Avalon neighborhood of Carolina Forest.
Covington Drive from Summerhill Drive to the community center in Covington Lakes.
Parts of Arrow Wood Court, Indianola Court, and Tuckahoe Road in Walkers Woods.
The Indigo Bay, The Farm, and Summerlyn neighborhoods.

Residents in various locations have had to leave their homes, including Tuckahoe Road and Wyandot Court, who were allowed back after 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. However, a large portion of Walkers Woods and Avalon remains on high alert and evacuated.

What’s Happening with the Fire?

The wildfire is currently active behind the Avalon neighborhood and making its way toward the bustling areas of Highway 90 and International Drive. Fortunately, no structures have been reported lost, and miraculously, no injuries have occurred thus far. However, some residents have noted damage to their fences and yards—an unfortunate side effect of this raging fire.

How Do Residents Prepare?

With the threat of further evacuations looming, locals are being urged to stay one step ahead by preparing overnight safety plans and packing emergency “go-bags.” Public safety personnel are making the rounds using loudspeakers to notify residents personally, ensuring everyone is aware of the situation.

Where to Go?

If residents find themselves needing shelter, the Carolina Forest Recreation Center has stepped up to help. Cots and food are available for any displaced individuals seeking safety from the flames. For those who can’t bear the thought of leaving their beloved pets behind, VCA Palmetto Animal Hospital is ready to provide boarding. It’s heartening to see communities working together in such trying times.

Efforts on the Ground

The response to combat this wildfire has been robust, with approximately 410 personnel and 127 fire apparatus deployed by Horry County Fire Rescue. Additionally, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has joined the fight, utilizing heavy machinery and drones to monitor the fire’s behavior.

Safety First!

To keep emergency routes clear, local authorities have closed International Drive between Highway 90 and the International Drive schools—an important move to ensure public safety. Plus, in light of the dangerous conditions, the state of South Carolina has issued a statewide burn ban. Now is not the time to take chances!

Community Support

Displaced residents looking for a place to stay can benefit from discounted rates provided by local hotel groups like Vacation Myrtle Beach. It’s wonderful to see local businesses stepping up during this crisis.

Even if you are outside the evacuation zones, residents in Carolina Forest should remain vigilant, keeping an ear out for updates. The safety of the community is paramount, and while the fire rages on, unity and preparedness are the spirits that will shine bright in these challenging times.