Multiple wildfires in the Carolinas force evacuations, burn ban issued in South Carolina

On Saturday, brush fires broke out in both North Carolina and South Carolina, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders as flames spread rapidly across the regions. In North Carolina, a fire in Polk County had already burned at least 400 acres by late Saturday night, with zero containment, according to the North Carolina Fire Service. The situation was dire, with structures potentially at risk, and officials planned to assess the damage further on Sunday morning. Residents living along U.S. Highway 176 between the towns of Tryon and Saluda were urged to evacuate immediately. The fire’s rapid spread was a major concern, with multiple fire departments working tirelessly to bring it under control. Tryon and Saluda, located about 40 miles south of Asheville, were among the areas most affected. Displaced residents were directed to seek shelter at the Polk County Meeting Place in Columbus.

Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Horry County Fire Rescue issued evacuation orders for several neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area, located about 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach. Fire crews were battling a large wildfire, and officials were closely monitoring weather conditions, ready to adjust their strategy as needed to ensure life safety and property protection. South Carolina GOP State Rep. Tim McGinnis shared on Facebook that two planes and a Blackhawk helicopter would begin dropping water on the fire Sunday morning, while tractors were also en route to help dig containment lines around the blaze. These efforts underscored the severity of the situation and the state’s commitment to controlling the fire.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster took swift action by announcing a statewide burning ban due to the dangerous wildfire conditions. The governor emphasized that anyone found to have started a fire in the state would face legal consequences, including jail time. This stern warning reflected the urgency of the situation as fire crews worked tirelessly to contain multiple fires across South Carolina. The National Weather Service had also issued a red flag warning for western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, which expired late Saturday night. Red flag warnings indicate critical fire weather conditions, either ongoing or imminent, signaling to residents the heightened risk of wildfires spreading.

In North Carolina, the Polk County fire remained a significant concern, with firefighters struggling to gain control over the rapidly spreading flames. The fire’s zero containment status as of late Saturday night raised alarms about the potential for further destruction. Officials warned that structures in the area could be at risk, and residents were urged to take the evacuation orders seriously. The stretch of U.S. Highway 176 between Tryon and Saluda was particularly affected, with the fire’s proximity to these communities heightening anxiety. As night fell, the focus shifted to preparing for Sunday morning, when officials would conduct a more thorough assessment of the damage and continue their efforts to bring the fire under control.

The situation in South Carolina’s Carolina Forest area was equally pressing, with residents forced to leave their homes as firefighters worked to contain the wildfire. Horry County Fire Rescue remained vigilant, monitoring weather conditions and adjusting their strategy to adapt to any changes that could impact the fire’s spread. The deployment of air support, including two planes and a Blackhawk helicopter, highlighted the scale of the operation and the resources being dedicated to combating the blaze. Additionally, tractors were brought in to assist with creating containment lines, a crucial step in isolating the fire and preventing further spread.

As the situation unfolded, residents in both states were reminded of the unpredictable nature of wildfires and the importance of heeding evacuation orders. The simultaneous outbreaks of these fires in North and South Carolina underscored the heightened risk of wildfires in the region, exacerbated by challenging weather conditions. With a statewide burning ban in place in South Carolina and ongoing efforts to control the fires, officials hoped to prevent further outbreaks and protect communities from the devastating impact of these blazes. The coming days would be critical in determining the extent of the damage and the success of the containment efforts.