Wildfires in North and South Carolina: Evacuations and Emergency Declarations

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Firefighters are battling huge blazes that began tearing through North and South Carolina over the weekend, including an enormous fire near Myrtle Beach that doubled in size overnight on Saturday. Over 175 blazes were recorded in South Carolina over the weekend covering 17 square kilometers. One blaze near Carolina Forest, a community just west of the tourist spot in Horry County, stretched across 1,600 acres and was 30 percent contained as of Sunday evening, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The wildfires have prompted evacuations and emergency declarations in both states, with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declaring a state of emergency to support wildfire response efforts.

In North Carolina, a brush fire in the mountains threatened communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains about 40 miles south of Asheville. The fire had burned between 400 and 500 acres and was zero percent contained as of Sunday afternoon, according to Polk County Emergency Management. The National Weather Service warned of increased fire danger in the region due to a combination of critically dry fuels and very low relative humidity. A statewide burning ban remained in effect in South Carolina, and residents were urged to avoid campfires, debris burning, and any outdoor flames that could put homes and communities at risk.

The emergency declarations and evacuations have affected several communities, including the small town of Tryon in North Carolina, where residents were urged to evacuate on Sunday as a blaze spread rapidly in the area. The fire has burned around 500 acres as of late and is at zero percent containment, the Polk County Emergency Management/Fire Marshal's office said late on Sunday. The North Carolina Forest Service was conducting water drops and back-burning operations on the ground, and area residents should expect a lot of smoke during those operations, officials added. The wildfire risk is expected to continue into Monday, with the National Weather Service warning of elevated fire danger due to dry fuels and low humidity.

Here is a list of key events and statistics related to the wildfires in North and South Carolina: * Over 175 blazes were recorded in South Carolina over the weekend * 17 square kilometers of land were affected by the wildfires * 1,600 acres were burned in the Carolina Forest area * 30 percent of the Carolina Forest fire was contained as of Sunday evening * 400-500 acres were burned in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina * Zero percent of the North Carolina fire was contained as of Sunday afternoon * A statewide burning ban was issued in South Carolina * Evacuations were ordered in several communities, including Tryon, North Carolina * The National Weather Service warned of elevated fire danger due to dry fuels and low humidity.

The situation is being closely monitored by officials, and residents are advised to stay informed and follow evacuation orders if necessary. The wildfires in North and South Carolina are a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for vigilance during periods of high fire danger. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for residents to stay up to date with the latest information and follow the instructions of local authorities.