Wildfires are tearing through parts of South and North Carolina, forcing people to leave their homes and keeping firefighters on high alert. By Sunday, more than 175 fires had broken out, burning a total of 4,200 acres and threatening several communities.
One of the worst fires erupted in the Carolina Forest area near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This fast-moving blaze burned over 1,600 acres and put neighborhoods like Walkers Woods and Avalon at risk. By Sunday afternoon, firefighters had managed to contain about 30% of the fire, and evacuation orders were lifted later in the evening.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday to help speed up the response and make sure firefighters have all the resources they need. He also announced a statewide burning ban, warning people that starting an outdoor fire could lead to jail time.
The fires were made worse by strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph, and extremely dry conditions. Firefighters are working around the clock to control the flames and keep residents safe. In Georgetown County, a fire near Prince George forced evacuations but was nearly under control by Sunday morning after burning 800 acres.
Another fire in Pickens County broke out in the Six Mile Mountain area, also leading to evacuations. Meanwhile, in Horry County, a separate fire north of the Carolina Forest burned more than 300 acres and was still out of control by Sunday morning.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of these wildfires, and red flag warnings remain in effect across South Carolina. For now, the focus remains on getting the fires under control and making sure people stay safe.
