PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities say a group of teenagers who were hiking at Table Rock State Park neglected to properly extinguish their cigarettes are to blame for starting the biggest mountain wildfire in South Carolina history.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the fire started on March 21 and has burned over 13,200 acres. Even though bouts of intense rain have aided firefighting efforts, the Table Rock Fire is still just 30% contained.
Four Charged in Devastating Wildfire
The 19-year-old Nyzaire Jah-Neiz Marsh, 18-year-old Isaac David Wilson, 18-year-old Tristan William Tyler, and an unnamed juvenile were charged by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. Each is charged with arson and carelessly permitting a fire to spread.
According to reports, the adolescents started the fire by failing to put out their cigarettes while smoking on a well-traveled trail. According to officials, the suspects were found when rescue workers evacuated them from the area and asked them about the cause of the fire while looking for a hiker named Stephanie Womack.
State s Largest Mountain Wildfire
In recent weeks, a number of significant fires have broken out in the Carolinas, including the Table Rock Fire. The Forestry Commission said the combination of low humidity, high winds, and dry brush and fallen trees from Hurricane Helene created hazardous fire conditions.
The nearby Persimmon Ridge Fire is currently 74% contained after burning over 2,000 acres. Although the fire has stopped growing, workers are still facing difficulties at Table Rock due to a lack of supplies.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
Tyler, Wilson, and Marsh were all freed on a $7,500 bond. The young suspect was returned to the custody of their parents without being placed into jail.
These arrests, according to investigators, underscore the dire repercussions of carelessness in regions vulnerable to wildfires, where even tiny sparks may cause devastating devastation.
Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery
Authorities advise locals living close to wildfire areas to observe safety precautions, such as rigorously adhering to burn prohibitions, properly disposing of smoking products, and keeping a defensible distance around homes. After a wildfire, recovering frequently entails handling insurance claims, clearing debris, and passing safety inspections before going back to your house.
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