Crews are actively combatting wildfires in North and South Carolina as of Sunday, facing challenging dry conditions and strong winds that have led to mandatory evacuations in some regions.
The National Weather Service has raised alarms regarding heightened fire danger in the area, attributing this risk to extremely dry conditions and low humidity levels.
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency to enhance the response efforts against the wildfires, with a statewide ban on burning still in effect. Firefighters are working diligently to manage a fire in the Carolina Forest area, close to Myrtle Beach, where multiple neighborhoods have been ordered to evacuate.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that the blaze has burned approximately 1.9 square miles, with no containment achieved as of Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or property damage thus far.
A force of 410 personnel is on standby, dedicated to ensuring the fire is contained. Residents in the Carolina Forest area continue to be advised to prepare emergency go-bags and evacuation plans as conditions may change.
Turning to North Carolina, the U.S. Forest Service is battling several wildfires across the state encompassing over 400 acres in various forests. The most significant blaze, consuming around 300 acres, is located in Uwharrie National Forest, east of Charlotte.
In the small town of Tryon, Polk County, officials urged some residents to evacuate as a fire rapidly expanded. Those evacuations, initiated on Saturday, remain in effect as of Sunday afternoon.
This fire in Polk County has burned about 400 acres, with no containment reported. Firefighters are conducting helicopter water drops and controlled back-burning to manage the situation, and residents should prepare for visibility challenges due to smoke from these operations.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of any of the fires.
