Tejal Somvanshi
Wildfires are spreading through parts of North and South Carolina, forcing evacuations as firefighters work to contain multiple blazes intensified by dry conditions and low humidity.
North Carolina Fire Grows to 400 Acres
In Polk County, North Carolina, a brush fire ignited Saturday when a power line fell along US Highway 176 between the towns of Tryon and Saluda. The fire spread rapidly up a nearby mountain and reached 400 acres by late Saturday night with 0% containment, according to Saluda officials.
Residents along sections of Highway 176 were ordered to evacuate, including areas such as:
- 1100 to 3910 blocks of Highway 176
- Meadowlark Drive
- Warrior Mountain Road
- Rhododendron Drive
- Oceanview Drive
- Several other nearby streets
“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 posted on social media.
Displaced residents can find shelter at the Polk County Meeting Place in Columbus.
South Carolina Implements Statewide Burn Ban
In South Carolina, multiple fire crews are battling a large woods fire near Myrtle Beach, with several homes in Carolina Forest (about 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach) under evacuation orders.
“Crews are continuing to work a large wildfire near Carolina Forest,” Horry County Fire Rescue posted on Facebook. “Horry County is monitoring the weather forecast and preparing to adjust course in our life safety and property protection plan should conditions evolve.”
Due to the dangerous conditions, South Carolina officials have implemented a statewide burning ban. The South Carolina Forestry Commission announced the ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including:
- Yard debris burning
- Prescribed burning
- Campfires in all unincorporated areas
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster warned: “Anyone who starts a fire in the state will go to jail,” as fire crews work to contain several fires across the state.
Firefighting Efforts Ramping Up
Two planes and a Blackhawk helicopter are scheduled to drop water on the South Carolina fires Sunday morning, according to State Rep. Tim McGinnis, who cited an update from State Forester Scott Phillips. Ground crews are using tractors to dig containment lines around the fires.
The US National Weather Service Columbia South Carolina has warned: “The combination of dry fuels & low humidity continues concerns for dangerous fire behavior today.”
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Smoke Creating Hazardous Conditions
Horry County Fire Rescue issued a smoke notice for residents: “Due to the ongoing wildfire in Carolina Forest, visibility may be poor on roads at times. Use caution while driving if you encounter poor visibility. The smoke may also cause some irritation so limit exposure if it is bothersome.”
While a red flag warning expired at 10 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a Fire Danger statement for Columbia and Greenville-Spartanburg areas until 8 p.m. Sunday, warning that “dry fuel and low relative humidity” could prompt dangerous fire behavior.
Multiple fire departments across both states continue to work together to protect structures and contain the spreading fires.
Frequently Asked Question:
What areas are currently under evacuation orders?
In North Carolina, evacuations include residents along Highway 176 between Tryon and Saluda, including Meadowlark Drive, Warrior Mountain Road, Rhododendron Drive, and Oceanview Drive. In South Carolina, several neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area (about 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach) are under evacuation orders. If you’re in these areas, local officials urge immediate evacuation for your safety.
What caused these wildfires?
The North Carolina fire was caused by a fallen power line along US Highway 176. The specific cause of the South Carolina fires hasn’t been stated in official reports. What we do know is that dry conditions and low humidity have created perfect conditions for fires to spread quickly.
What does the statewide burn ban in South Carolina mean for residents?
The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of South Carolina. This includes common activities like burning yard waste, having campfires, and conducting prescribed burns. Governor McMaster has warned that anyone who starts a fire will face jail time. The ban remains in effect until further notice.
Where can evacuated residents find shelter?
In North Carolina, displaced residents can find shelter at the Polk County Meeting Place in Columbus. For South Carolina evacuees, contact local emergency management or check social media updates from Horry County Fire Rescue for the latest shelter information.
What should I do if I encounter smoke while driving?
If you encounter smoke while driving, slow down immediately, turn on your headlights, and increase following distance. If visibility becomes too poor, pull over to a safe location away from traffic until conditions improve. Don’t forget that smoke can irritate your eyes and lungs, so keep your windows closed and air conditioning set to recirculate.
How are firefighters working to contain these fires?
Firefighters are using both air and ground resources. In South Carolina, two planes and a Blackhawk helicopter are dropping water on the fires. On the ground, crews are using tractors to dig containment lines—these are cleared areas around the fire that remove fuel sources and help stop flames from spreading. Multiple fire departments from various counties are working together in both states.
