The Carolina Forest Fire, located about five miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has grown to 1,600 acres and is 30% contained, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. As of Sunday evening, residents who were evacuated have been permitted to return to their homes. However, the fire continues to pose a threat to the surrounding areas.
Blackthorn Drive Fire Containment Efforts
A smaller wildfire near Blackthorn Drive has reached 80% containment as of Sunday afternoon. While the fire’s progress has slowed, officials remain cautious due to ongoing dry conditions that increase the risk of further spread.
Statewide Burn Ban and Emergency Declaration
Due to the high wildfire activity across South Carolina, officials issued a statewide burn ban on Saturday. Over 175 wildfires have burned across 4,200 acres, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency on Sunday to aid firefighting efforts.
Evacuations and Firefighting Operations
Residents near Highway 31 were ordered to evacuate on Saturday afternoon as a precautionary measure. Saluda Fire and Rescue advised locals to expect an increased fire department presence in the Bear Creek, Hanging Rock, Rhododendron Dr., Oceanview Dr., and Meadow Lark Dr. areas as crews work to contain the fire and protect homes.
Aerial Footage Captures Smoke Plumes Over Myrtle Beach
A passenger aboard a flight into Myrtle Beach on Saturday night captured dramatic video footage showing smoke and flames rising into the sky. This underscores the severity of the wildfire and its potential impact on air quality and visibility in the region.
Fire Risk Remains High Despite Weather Changes
While winds have weakened and temperatures have cooled on Sunday, dry air and lack of recent rainfall are keeping wildfire threats elevated across the Carolinas and northeast Georgia. The National Weather Service has warned that the fire risk remains high near Wilmington, North Carolina, and Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina.
Weather Forecast for Fire-Impacted Areas
- Sunday Night: Winds are expected to diminish significantly, and temperatures will approach freezing by Monday morning.
- Monday-Tuesday: Lighter winds and humid air will return, with temperatures warming up to 60 degrees.
South Carolina’s Wildfire History
Historically, South Carolina faces an average of 5,000 wildfires annually, burning 30,000 acres, according to the Emergency Management Division. Similarly, North Carolina recorded 4,588 wildfires in 2024, affecting over 15,000 acres.
