South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Raging Wildfires
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday as firefighters battled hundreds of wildfires across the Carolinas.
"I have declared a State of Emergency to further support wildfire response efforts across the state and ensure our first responders continue to have the resources they need," McMaster stated in a post on X. "A statewide outdoor burning ban remains in effect—violators will be prosecuted. Please stay informed."
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), nearly 5,000 acres have burned in the Palmetto State, with 170 fires reported. The fires were ignited by extremely low humidity levels, coupled with dry vegetation due to a lack of significant rainfall. Strong winds further fueled the rapid spread of the flames.
The largest fire is in Carolina Forest, a community located 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach in Horry County. As of Sunday afternoon, the wildfire had consumed 1,200 acres and was 0% contained.
More than 400 firefighters are battling the blaze with at least 127 fire apparatus, according to the Horry County Fire Department. As of Sunday morning, no structures had been lost, and no injuries had been reported.
To assist in containment efforts, the South Carolina Army National Guard deployed two Black Hawk helicopters on Sunday. Each helicopter is equipped with water buckets capable of carrying approximately 600 gallons of water.
The SCFC also issued a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, prohibiting all outdoor burning—including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires—in unincorporated areas of the state. The ban, which carries penalties for violators, will remain in effect until further notice.
In neighboring North Carolina, the Forest Service reported a brush fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 40 miles south of Asheville. The fire, which is between 400 and 500 acres, was 0% contained as of Sunday afternoon.
The Melrose Fire, burning in the Saluda and Tryon communities, was caused by a downed power line and rapidly spread up the mountain, threatening multiple structures. North Carolina Emergency Management confirmed that air operations are ongoing to combat the blaze.
Residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to all safety guidelines as firefighting efforts continue.
Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, she covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.
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