Wildfires Break Out in the Carolinas

Wildfires have erupted across North and South Carolina, fueled by strong winds, dry conditions, and unseasonably high temperatures, prompting widespread evacuations and significant firefighting efforts. The largest blaze, in the Carolina Forest area near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has consumed 1,200 acres as of Sunday morning, with no containment reported.

Key Developments

1. South Carolina Fires:
   • Carolina Forest Wildfire:
     • The fire near Myrtle Beach rapidly expanded overnight, doubling in size from 600 to 1,200 acres. It has forced evacuations in neighborhoods such as Walkers Woods, Avalon, and Covington Lakes.
     • Smoke and flames are visible near residential areas, with residents directed to shelters like the Carolina Forest Recreation Center. As of Sunday morning, 108 people were using the shelter.
     • Firefighters are battling the blaze with ground crews and aerial support, including Blackhawk helicopters. Despite the intensity of the fire, no structures have been damaged so far.
   • Georgetown County Fire:
     • Another wildfire in Georgetown County has burned over 800 acres near Prince George. Nearly all evacuations in this area have been lifted as firefighters gain control.
2. North Carolina Fires:
   • In Polk County, a wildfire near Tryon and Saluda has burned 400 acres with zero containment. Evacuations have been ordered for areas along Highway 176. The fire was caused by a downed power line.
   • Residents in affected areas are closely monitoring updates as firefighters work to prevent further spread.
3. Statewide Burn Bans:
   • Both North and South Carolina have issued statewide burn bans due to the extreme fire risk. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster warned that outdoor fires could lead to jail time.
4. Weather Conditions:
   • The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the Southeast over the weekend due to strong winds (gusts up to 40 mph), low humidity, and dry vegetation. February rainfall in the Carolinas was well below average, leaving conditions ripe for wildfires.
   • Winds are expected to calm overnight into Monday, which may aid firefighting efforts.

Community Response

• Emergency shelters and resources have been mobilized for evacuees. Local businesses and organizations are offering discounted accommodations for displaced residents.
• Fire officials are urging all residents in at-risk areas to prepare evacuation plans and heed safety directives.

Outlook

While some fires are being brought under control, others remain highly active and unpredictable. Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the blazes and protect homes and lives. Weather improvements may provide relief in the coming days, but officials remain vigilant as conditions remain volatile.

Citations:

1. https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1740935702/user_uploads/xViQbecBvfemRWR/01xp-fires2-superJumbo.jpg
2. https://www.yahoo.com/news/thousands-evacuated-gusty-winds-dry-142836323.html
3. https://www.yahoo.com/news/fires-rage-myrtle-beach-area-222526064.html
4. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wildfires-south-north-carolina-evacuations/story?id=119340730
5. https://wpde.com/news/local/carolina-forest-fire-doubles-in-size-overnight-evacuations-in-place-south-carolina-wildfire-horry-county-covington-tuckahoe-road-drive-evacuate-rescue-emergency
6. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/us/fire-north-carolina.html
7. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/environment/wildfires-force-evacuations-in-north-and-south-carolina-amid-dry-windy-conditions/3497619
8. https://wpde.com/news/local/evacuations-underway-in-carolina-forest-due-to-fires
9. https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/02/us/carolinas-wildfire-evacuations-dry-conditions-hnk/index.html
10. https://weather.com/news/news/2025-03-02-wildfires-threaten-homes-evacuations-north-south-carolina
11. https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/regional/wildfire-myrtle-beach-south-carolina/83-671c3315-41d5-4f02-bb7e-43a3b4915063
12. https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/march-drought-fire-update
13. https://www.yahoo.com/news/evacuations-ramp-south-carolina-wildfire-153000606.html
14. https://abcnews4.com/news/local/more-than-2-dozen-agencies-are-supporting-the-firefighting-effort-in-carolina-forest-williamsburg-north-myrtle-beach-conway-dillon-lugoff-marion-johnsonville-florence-calabash-tabor-city-olanta-
15. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/multiple-wildfires-carolinas-evacuations/
16. https://www.wltx.com/article/news/regional/south-carolina-wildfires-evacuations-horry-county-2025/101-15b2e63f-4ee8-4abc-932e-3ce82f64f6e6