Lighter winds on Monday provided a respite for firefighting crews battling wildfires in South Carolina and North Carolina that prompted evacuations and threatened hundreds of homes over the weekend. Firefighters mobilized from various parts of South Carolina successfully prevented the significant blaze in Horry County, near Myrtle Beach, from damaging any homes, despite alarming social media footage showing orange skies and flames consuming nearby pine trees.
This wildfire is noted as the most substantial in the region since a major wildfire incident in 2009, which resulted in approximately $42 million in damages and the destruction of about 75 homes. However, officials warned that the fire threat persisted as they imposed statewide bans on nearly all outdoor fires in South Carolina. This included burning yard debris and campfires, with officials urging citizens to report any illegal outdoor burning.
Governor Henry McMaster emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating on social media, "You can and will go to jail for starting a fire outdoors in South Carolina. Period." Similar burn bans were enacted in western North Carolina, where some residents in Polk County remained under evacuation orders. Fire crews actively engaged in controlled burns to reduce potential wildfire fuel and improve containment of a fire burning across 480 acres, which was reported to be about 30% contained.
According to the North Carolina Forest Service, on Monday there were over 200 reported wildfires across the state; however, most of these were relatively small and not posing a threat to any structures. The dry conditions observed throughout the winter in the Carolinas, coupled with high winds from a passing cold front that brought little to no rain, contributed to an elevated fire risk in the area.
The region surrounding Myrtle Beach is particularly susceptible to wildfires due to its history of decomposing vegetation, which creates peat that can ignite easily when dried. Additionally, the presence of pine trees and other waxy plants serves as ample fuel for fires during dry and windy conditions. The population in Horry County has doubled over the last 25 years, reaching around 400,000 residents, many of whom have settled in rapidly developed neighborhoods adjacent to the Carolina Bays, an area prone to fire due to its combination of peat and flammable vegetation. Fires have been a natural part of this landscape for centuries, but the increase in population density raises concerns about safety and property damages.
As of now, officials have not disclosed the causes behind any of the ongoing wildfires, leaving the investigation open-ended as crews continue to battle these blazes. Firefighters remain on high alert as they aim to contain the active wildfires and prevent further destruction in a region that has seen significant environmental challenges.
