News Summary
A significant wildfire has spread rapidly in Carolina Forest, covering over 2,059 acres. Firefighting efforts have achieved 30% containment, with the South Carolina National Guard assisting in the battle against the flames. Neighborhoods were advised to evacuate, but many have since returned home as safety measures and firefighting strategies continue to evolve. Heavy smoke is impacting air quality, urging residents to limit outdoor activities. Community support has been pivotal for the first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property.
WILDFIRE RAVAGES CAROLINA FOREST
In a concerning turn of events, the beautiful city of Carolina Forest is currently battling a significant wildfire that has rapidly spread, covering over 2,059 acres as of Sunday evening. Firefighting efforts have made some progress, with the fire being reported as 30% contained by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
How It All Started
The wildfire first came to attention on Saturday afternoon, around 2:39 p.m., when it was initially reported as a small backyard fire. However, things escalated quickly, and by the time Sunday rolled around, the flames were moving faster than anyone could have anticipated. A myriad of brave responders from multiple Florence agencies, including West Florence Fire Rescue and the City of Florence Fire Department, stepped up to tackle the roaring blaze.
Protecting Our Communities
Throughout the firefighting efforts, special emphasis was placed on protecting local neighborhoods, particularly those around Clements Street. Thanks to the tireless work of the first responders, there have been no injuries reported and, remarkably, not a single structure has been lost despite the fire’s aggressive advance. Residents were urged to evacuate from several neighborhoods, including Indigo Bay Farm, Summerlyn, and Avalon, as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, Horry County officials have now lifted evacuation orders for residents in seven affected neighborhoods, allowing them to return to their homes.
Firefighting Resources Flood In
In an impressive show of support, the South Carolina National Guard has deployed an aerial fleet to assist in containment efforts. Their impressive arsenal includes two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, which have delivered almost 60,000 gallons of water over the course of 18 flight hours. Collaboration is key in such challenging conditions, and more than a dozen fire departments, along with over 500 first responders, have joined forces to combat the fire.
Smoke Alerts and Air Quality Warnings
Another layer of complexity has arisen due to heavy, low-hanging smoke that has significantly impacted visibility along major thoroughfares like Highway 501 and Highway 31. As a result, drivers are advised to proceed with caution. The air quality in the region has also taken a hit, which in turn led to the cancellation of youth baseball and softball practices in Myrtle Beach. Residents are strongly urged to limit outdoor activities, particularly those who are prone to respiratory issues.
Community Support and Safety Measures
The Carolina Forest Homeowners Association has expressed deep appreciation for the heroic efforts of first responders, acknowledging how their swift actions have saved lives and homes. Meanwhile, with the ongoing firefighting efforts, the American Red Cross had initially set up a shelter at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center, but it has since closed in favor of focusing solely on public safety operations.
A burn ban has also been put into action by Horry County officials, emphasizing safety as a primary concern with an executive order from Governor Henry McMaster declaring a state of emergency. As we proceed, the National Weather Service has issued warnings regarding potential flare-ups, as changing weather conditions could pose new challenges for those battling the flames.
What Can Residents Do?
While the situation remains critical, residents living near the affected areas are encouraged to ensure their properties are safe. If it’s safe to do so, they can assist by extinguishing small flames on their properties to prevent further spread. In addition, crews have been utilizing drones for reconnaissance, honing in on efforts to control the perimeter of the fire as they fight to contain it.
As the relentless efforts of our firefighters continue, we hope for their safety and success in surmounting this daunting blaze. Stay safe, Carolina Forest!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
State of Emergency Declared in South Carolina Due to Wildfires
Brush Fires Prompt Evacuations in North and South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WBTW News
- WPDE News
- Myrtle Beach Online
- WMBF News
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Google Search: Carolina Forest wildfire
- Google Scholar: WILDFIRE CONTROL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Google News: Carolina Forest wildfire
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
