South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday as raging wildfires spread across South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, scorching thousands of acres and forcing evacuations in multiple communities.
At one point, South Carolina alone was battling more than 175 active fires, fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, according to the governor’s office. Firefighters and emergency crews have been working around the clock to contain the blazes, with assistance from the South Carolina Army National Guard, which deployed Black Hawk helicopters to drop massive amounts of water on the flames.
One of the most devastating fires has been near Myrtle Beach in Horry County, where flames have torched over 1,600 acres and remain only 30% contained as of Monday. Residents in eight neighborhoods were forced to evacuate as the fire spread, and thick smoke has significantly reduced visibility, prompting road closures in the Carolina Forest area.
Additional fires have impacted over 4,200 acres across Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens counties, though most were quickly contained, according to state officials.
Firefighters and emergency personnel are working tirelessly to contain the fires, with support from local shelters such as the Carolina Forest Community Church, which has provided refuge for displaced residents and exhausted firefighters. The Red Cross of South Carolina also stepped in to assist, temporarily sheltering 135 residents at a county recreation center before it closed on Monday morning.
In North Carolina, four active wildfires continue to burn, consuming nearly 500 acres across the Croatan, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Pisgah national forests. The 176 Fire near Tryon, named after U.S. Route 176, has burned 481 acres and is also only 30% contained, according to emergency officials.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, wildfires have added to the growing crisis, with dry conditions making containment efforts even more challenging.
The National Weather Service forecasts a cold front with rain arriving by Tuesday, which could help firefighters in their battle against the flames. However, officials remain cautious as they continue working to prevent further destruction and ensure the safety of residents across the region.