Wildfires Scorch the Carolinas: State of Emergency Declared as Fires Continue to Spread

Image credits: WMBF

Firefighters are battling nearly 200 wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina, with the largest fire located in Carolina Forest, a community 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach in Horry County. As of Sunday afternoon, the wildfire had incinerated 1,200 acres and was 0% contained, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC). The fires have prompted localized evacuation orders, and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency, noting that crews were fighting more than 175 wildfires spanning 4,200 acres in the state. The wildfires have been caused by very low relative humidity, coupled with drying fuels resulting from the lack of significant rain, and high winds have led the fires to grow and spread rapidly.

The South Carolina Army National Guard has sent two Black Hawk helicopters 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 has 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 will stay in effect until further notice, and violators will be prosecuted. 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 air quality in the affected areas has been severely impacted, with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issuing an Air Quality Alert for fine particulates for Horry County in South Carolina until further notice. The alert means that the fine particulate concentrations within the specified areas may approach or exceed unhealthy standards due to local wildfire smoke in the Myrtle Beach area. Residents are advised to stay inside with doors and windows closed, use high-efficiency filters to capture fine particles from smoke, and avoid adding to indoor air pollution. The wildfire smoke has also prompted concerns about outdoor activities, with residents advised to reduce smoke in their vehicles by closing windows and vents and running the air conditioner in recirculate mode, and to avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run.

Here are some key statistics related to the wildfires: * Nearly 5,000 acres have burned in South Carolina * 170 fires have been reported in South Carolina * 1,200 acres have been incinerated in the Carolina Forest fire * 0% containment of the Carolina Forest fire * 400-500 acres have been burned in the Blue Ridge Mountains fire in North Carolina * 0% containment of the Blue Ridge Mountains fire * Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze with at least 127 fire apparatus * Two Black Hawk helicopters have been deployed to assist with wildfire containment * Air Quality Alerts have been issued for Horry County in South Carolina

The situation remains dire, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain the fires. The declaration of a state of emergency by Gov. McMaster has ensured that resources are being allocated to support the firefighting efforts. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety. The impact of the wildfires on the environment and local communities will be closely monitored, and efforts will be made to mitigate the effects of the wildfires and restore the affected areas.