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Wildfires Rock North and South Carolina

News Summary

Multiple wildfires are currently devastating North and South Carolina, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency declaration in South Carolina. The largest blaze is near Myrtle Beach, with over 2,000 acres burned. However, North Carolina has seen a decrease in active wildfires, down to 81. Though firefighting efforts are making progress, conditions remain severe with low humidity and high winds, raising health concerns due to Code Red air quality alerts. Residents are advised to stay informed and heed evacuation orders as authorities respond to this challenging situation.

Wildfires Rock North and South Carolina

Residents of North and South Carolina are facing a challenging situation as multiple wildfires are currently burning across both states. The situation has become serious enough to lead to evacuations and the declaration of a state of emergency in parts of South Carolina.

Flames Rage Near Myrtle Beach

One of the largest blazes is currently raging in the Carolina Forest area close to Myrtle Beach. This fire has already burned over 2,000 acres and has prompted local officials to take swift action. Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina has officially declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating crisis.

North Carolina Sees a Drop in Wildfire Numbers

On Thursday morning, North Carolina reported a total of 81 active wildfires, which is quite a reduction from over 200 just a few days before. The North Carolina Forest Service has explained that these wildfires vary in status, including a mix of active, contained, and controlled blazes. The largest active fire is located in Polk County, close to the South Carolina border, where it has charred over 600 acres but is currently 91% contained.

Crews Battling the Blaze

In South Carolina, the fire near Myrtle Beach is now 44% contained, thanks to the hard work of firefighters, aided by some recent rainfall. As of now, the fire’s size has remained stable at 2,059 acres due to both diligent firefighting efforts and favorable weather conditions.

Firefighting teams are utilizing a range of strategies to tackle the flames, including aerial operations, though these may be halted at times due to changing weather. Meanwhile, ground crews are hard at work using tractors to establish control lines around the fire’s perimeter to prevent further spread.

Residents Return Home with Caution

Good news for residents in Horry County—they’ve been allowed to return home. However, authorities are cautioning everyone to keep an eye out for potential hotspots that could reignite.

Current Conditions Still Favor Wildfires

Despite some progress in controlling the fires, conditions remain quite severe for wildfires across both states. Low humidity, dry air, and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene are still posing a significant risk. Moreover, March 2025 is now being recognized as one of the most windy months in decades, playing a role in the spread of these blazes.

Evacuations and Air Quality Alerts

The wildfires have led to evacuation orders in multiple counties, including Polk County, which has issued 165 evacuation orders, while Henderson County has 29. Additionally, a statewide burning ban has been implemented in both North and South Carolina to mitigate risks. Areas affected by smoke from the wildfires are under Code Red air quality alerts, raising health concerns for residents.

Staying Informed and Safe

With heightened awareness around the current situation, residents are urged to keep an eye on local emergency alerts and to adhere strictly to any evacuation orders. Staying informed and prepared is key as both North and South Carolina continue to navigate through these challenging wildfire conditions.