South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Sunday declared a state of emergency as firefighters battle hundreds of wildfires across the Carolinas.
“I have declared a State of Emergency to further support wildfire response efforts across the state and ensure our first responders continue to have the resources they need,” McMaster wrote in a post on X. “A statewide outdoor burning ban remains in effect—violators will be prosecuted. Please stay informed.”
Nearly 5,000 acres have burned in the Palmetto State, with 170 fires reported, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC).
Ignitions were caused by very low relative humidity, coupled with drying fuels resulting from the lack of significant rain. High winds led the fires to grow and spread rapidly.
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The largest of the fires is in Carolina Forest, a community 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach in Horry County.
As of Sunday afternoon, the wildfire incinerated 1,200 acres and was 0% contained, according to the SCFC.
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More than 400 firefighters are battling the blaze with at least 127 fire apparatus, according to the Horry County Fire Department.
No structures have been lost, and no injuries have been reported, as of Sunday morning.
The South Carolina Army National Guard sent two Black Hawk helicopters on Sunday to assist the SCFC and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with wildfire containment.
The Black Hawk water buckets can carry approximately 600 gallons of water, according to the guard.
The SCFC also issued a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, which prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning and campfires in all unincorporated areas of the state.
The ban, which will send anyone who sets a fire to jail, will stay in effect until further notice.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Forest Service estimates a brush fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 40 miles south of Asheville, is between 400 and 500 acres and is 0% contained, as of Sunday afternoon.
The Melrose Fire, burning in the Saluda and Tryon communities, was caused by a downed power line, according to Saluda Fire & Rescue. The fire rapidly spread up the mountain, threatening multiple structures.
North Carolina Emergency Management said there are ongoing air operations to battle the fire.
