He’s declaring a state of emergency.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday due to the ongoing wildfires affecting both South and North Carolina. McMaster announced this to provide additional resources to firefighting efforts and emphasized that a statewide outdoor burning ban remains in place. He warned that violators of the ban will face prosecution and urged the public to stay updated on developments.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), around 5,000 acres have burned, and 170 wildfires have been reported. The fires were fueled by extremely low humidity, dry conditions, and high winds, which caused them to spread quickly. The largest fire, located in Carolina Forest, near Myrtle Beach, has consumed 1,200 acres and is currently 0% contained. Over 400 firefighters, along with 127 fire trucks, are actively working to control the blaze.
So far, no injuries or structural damage have been reported. The South Carolina Army National Guard has deployed two Black Hawk helicopters to assist in containing the fires. These helicopters are equipped with water buckets that can hold about 600 gallons of water to help douse the flames.
A State Forester’s Burning Ban has also been implemented by the SCFC for all counties, prohibiting outdoor fires such as yard debris burning and campfires in unincorporated areas. The ban will remain in effect until further notice, with violators facing jail time for setting fires.
In neighboring North Carolina, a brush fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 40 miles south of Asheville, has burned between 400 and 500 acres and remains 0% contained. The Melrose Fire, which threatens multiple structures, was reportedly caused by a fallen power line, according to local fire officials.
