Brush Fires Prompt Evacuations in North and South Carolina

Brush fires causing evacuations in North and South Carolina

News Summary

A series of brush fires broke out on Saturday across North and South Carolina, leading to evacuation orders for affected communities. The fires, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds, threatened towns like Tryon and Saluda in North Carolina, while in South Carolina, evacuations were ordered near Myrtle Beach. Firefighters are actively combating the flames using ground crews and aerial support, as conditions remain challenging with rising temperatures and low humidity.

Brush Fires Spark Evacuations Across North and South Carolina

On Saturday, a series of brush fires erupted in North and South Carolina, driven by dry conditions and gusty winds. As flames tore through the dry landscapes, authorities quickly sprang into action, issuing evacuation orders for several communities impacted by the spreading blazes.

Warnings and Evacuations

A significant portion of the southeastern United States was under a red-flag warning, signaling a heightened risk of fire due to the combination of dry air and strong winds. Thankfully, the red-flag warnings began to expire late Saturday night, which brought some hopes of reduced fire risk as winds eased off.

Threatening Fires in North Carolina

In Polk County, North Carolina, a serious brush fire threatened nearby communities, including the charming towns of Tryon and Saluda, located roughly 40 miles south of the bustling city of Asheville. Reports revealed that the fire was consuming at least 400 acres and was currently at zero containment.

Firefighters from multiple departments were called to action to combat the flames encroaching on Meadowlark Drive in Tryon, a town with a population of around 1,500, while the smaller community of Saluda, home to fewer than 1,000 residents, also faced the threat.

South Carolina’s Brush Fires

Meanwhile, across the border in South Carolina, another brush fire flared up near the coast, posing a risk to the Carolina Forest neighborhood, just west of the popular tourist destination of Myrtle Beach. As of early Saturday evening, firefighters reported that this blaze was about 75% contained, thanks to the quick response from local fire teams.

Several neighborhoods were also placed under evacuation orders as a precaution. In addition, another fire erupted near Six Mile, located roughly 30 miles west of Greenville, leading to recommended, though not mandated, evacuations in local streets.

What’s Fueling These Fires?

Conditions presented by gusty winds, dry air, and unusually high temperatures in the low 70s contributed significantly to the spread of these fires. Notably, South Carolina experienced low rainfall in February, resulting in dry vegetation that quickly ignited; for instance, Myrtle Beach managed only 2.30 inches of rain since January 1, markedly below the usual 6.30 inches.

North Carolina has fared a bit better in terms of rainfall, yet still remained below average last month, further setting the stage for wildfires.

Firefighting Efforts Underway

The Polk County officials utilized social media to communicate evacuations in light of the rapidly spreading fires. The Horry County Fire Rescue coordinated firefighting efforts in South Carolina, employing two planes and a Blackhawk helicopter for aerial water drops on the flames. Ground crews also utilized tractors to construct fire lines in an attempt to control the blaze.

Given the situation, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide burn ban in response to over 100 fire ignitions reported throughout the day.

Conditions Remain Challenging

Relative humidity levels hovered between 15% and 30%, with wind gusts soaring to 40 mph, adding to the challenges faced by firefighters. The weather causing these wildfires was attributed to a strong cold front moving in, which is expected to bring a significant temperature drop behind it.

Forecasters caution that fire conditions could remain a concern through the upcoming spring unless more significant rainfall occurs later this year. For now, the focus remains on protecting communities and battling against the flames.