Columbia, S.C.With dry weather and strong winds accelerating the quick spread of the dozens of wildfires raging across North and South Carolina, hundreds of citizens have been forced to evacuate their homes. In an effort to deploy resources for the ongoing battle to limit the fires, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed a state of emergency.
South Carolina Battles 175 Active Wildfires
According to state officials, 175 wildfires have broken out around South Carolina, burning over 4,200 acres and taxing firefighting resources to the breaking point. Hazard, Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens are among the affected counties; several fire departments are still on high alert in these areas.
West of Myrtle Beach, in Carolina Forest, one of the biggest fires started on Saturday. At least six communities had to be evacuated as the fire spread rapidly over night and encroached on residential areas.
In addition to releasing state cash, Governor McMaster’s emergency proclamation strengthens the state’s outdoor burn prohibition, which is meant to stop more flames while firefighters concentrate on containment.
North Carolina s Melrose Fire Threatens Mountain Communities
The Melrose Fire is a wildfire that has scorched 400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of neighboring North Carolina. The towns of Salta and Tryon, which are both close to the South Carolina border, are the focus of emergency personnel’s attention.
Residents in the most vulnerable neighborhoods have received voluntary evacuation notifications from Polk County Emergency Management while the fire is still uncontained. Authorities are still keeping an eye on changing winds that can make things worse.
Weather Conditions and Ongoing Risks
Both states’ firefighters deal with hazardous weather patterns, such as high winds and consistently dry conditions that can trigger unexpected flare-ups. Residents are urged by emergency officials to obey safety instructions, particularly those pertaining to the burn prohibition, and to get ready for any evacuations.
USA TODAY’s data center offers interactive wildfire maps that show the locations of active fires in North and South Carolina.
Long stretches of dry weather have made wildfires a growing threat in the Carolinas, and this weekend’s outbreak was one of the worst in recent memory. Depending on changes in the weather, officials warn that firefighting efforts may go for days or even weeks.
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