Wildfires break out in the Carolinas, prompting evacuations

A slew of wildfires raging across South Carolina forced Gov. Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency Sunday, as firefighters battled blazes that had already destroyed nearly 1,200 acres and impacted another 3,000.

The Carolina Forest Fire, located about five miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, grew to 1,200 acres overnight and is 0% contained, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission on Sunday. Officials announced a nationwide burn restriction Saturday as dozens of wildfires erupted around the state, many of which have already been extinguished.

The National Weather Service issued a fire warning for the region on Sunday, including near Wilmington, North Carolina, as well as Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina.

McMaster reported that more than 175 wildfires are currently blazing across the state, affecting approximately 4,200 acres in Horry, Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

“This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need,” McMaster said in a statement. “Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice. Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”

According to Saluda Fire and Rescue, the fire began with a damaged power line and quickly traveled up a mountain, endangering multiple buildings.

A brush fire triggered by a power line that collapsed along US Highway 176 Saturday afternoon in western North Carolina, near the towns of Tryon and Saluda, spread swiftly up a neighboring mountain and threatened numerous structures, according to Saluda Fire and Rescue in a post late Saturday.

Saluda officials reported that by 11:30 p.m., the fire had spread to 400 acres and had 0% containment. Polk County officials said that numerous fire agencies were responding to the wildfire.

Authorities in Tryon urged some homes along the highway to evacuate on Saturday afternoon.

“Residents can expect a heavy fire department presence in the Bear Creek, Hanging Rock, Rhododendron Dr., Oceanview Dr., and Meadow Lark Dr. areas as crews work to protect homes and reduce fire fuels,” Saluda Fire and Rescue said.

Despite lighter winds and cooler temperatures Sunday, dry air and dry vegetation from a lack of recent rainfall are raising the wildfire risk over the Carolinas and northeast Georgia.

Winds in the area are predicted to decrease dramatically tonight, and temperatures will be around freezing by Monday morning.

Lighter winds will persist through Tuesday, as temperatures rise to around 60 degrees and more humid air returns to the region.