South Carolina Wildfires: A State of Emergency Declared as Fires Rage Across the Carolinas

A State of Emergency Declared to Combat Wildfires

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday, November 12, as firefighters across the Carolinas battled hundreds of wildfires. The declaration aims to bolster response efforts and ensure that first responders have the necessary resources to combat the growing crisis. A statewide outdoor burning ban has been implemented, with McMaster emphasizing that violators will face prosecution. Residents are urged to stay informed and take precautions to prevent further ignitions.

As of Sunday afternoon, nearly 5,000 acres had burned in South Carolina, with 170 active fires reported by the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC). The fires are attributed to extremely low humidity, dry conditions due to lack of rain, and high winds that have allowed the blazes to spread rapidly. The situation remains dire, with firefighters working around the clock to contain the infernos.

The Largest Fire in Carolina Forest Continues to Burn Uncontained

The most significant fire is located in Carolina Forest, a community about 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach in Horry County. By Sunday afternoon, the wildfire had consumed 1,200 acres and remained 0% contained, according to the SCFC. Despite the challenges, no structures have been lost, and no injuries have been reported as of Sunday morning.

Over 400 firefighters are engaged in battling the blaze, supported by at least 127 fire apparatus. The South Carolina Army National Guard has deployed two Black Hawk helicopters to assist in containment efforts. These helicopters are equipped with water buckets that can carry approximately 600 gallons of water, providing critical aerial support to ground crews.

The SCFC has also issued a State Forester’s Burning Ban, prohibiting all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires, in unincorporated areas across the state. Violators face the possibility of jail time, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

North Carolina Battles Its Own Wildfire Crisis

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, a brush fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 40 miles south of Asheville, continues to burn out of control. The Melrose Fire, located near the Saluda and Tryon communities, has scorched between 400 and 500 acres and remains 0% contained as of Sunday afternoon. The fire was sparked by a downed power line and quickly spread up the mountain, threatening multiple structures.

The North Carolina Emergency Management has initiated air operations to combat the fire, with firefighters working tirelessly to protect homes and businesses. While the situation remains critical, there have been no reports of injuries or structural losses thus far.

Emergency Measures and Community Response

As both states grapple with the wildfire crisis, officials have implemented stringent measures to curb the spread of the fires. In South Carolina, the burning ban remains in effect indefinitely, and residents are encouraged to report any illegal burning activities. The public is also urged to stay informed through official channels and follow evacuation orders if necessary.

The deployment of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Black Hawk helicopters highlights the severity of the situation and the state’s commitment to leveraging all available resources to protect its citizens. Similarly, in North Carolina, air operations are playing a critical role in efforts to contain the Melrose Fire.

A Community in Crisis: Looting and Support Efforts

Amid the chaos, a disturbing incident has emerged in the Palisades Fire area. A woman was accused of looting from a home in the affected region while wearing a "Palisades Strong" shirt. The incident underscores the challenges faced by communities not only from the fires but also from opportunistic crimes. Authorities have vowed to prosecute such offenses to the fullest extent of the law.

In a separate development, Senator Schiff has called on the Trump administration to exclude firefighters from a federal hiring freeze. The request aims to ensure that firefighting agencies have the necessary personnel to respond to emergencies like the current wildfires. This plea highlights the critical role of firefighters in safeguarding communities and the need for adequate resources to support their efforts.

Conclusion: A Call to Action and Hope for Containment

As the wildfires continue to rage across the Carolinas, officials, firefighters, and residents are united in their efforts to combat the crisis. The declaration of a state of emergency, the deployment of military resources, and the implementation of strict burning bans are all testament to the gravity of the situation.

While the fires remain largely uncontained, the collective efforts of first responders, aerial support, and community vigilance offer hope for eventual containment. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant, adhere to safety guidelines, and support firefighters who are risking their lives to protect lives and property.

The road to recovery will be long, but with resilience and collaboration, the Carolinas will navigate this challenging time. For now, the focus remains on containing the fires, protecting communities, and ensuring that those responsible for illegal activities face justice.