Carolina Forest Wildfire Near Myrtle Beach Expands to 2,000 Acres

News Summary

A wildfire in Carolina Forest, near Myrtle Beach, has rapidly spread to over 2,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders and a state of emergency declaration. Firefighters are currently working to contain the blaze, which has impacted air quality in the region. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as conditions remain dry. The wildfire is the largest currently active in North or South Carolina, and residents are urged to be cautious as they return home following evacuation.

Carolina Forest Wildfire Near Myrtle Beach Expands to Over 2,000 Acres as Firefighting Efforts Continue Amid Dry Conditions

Residents of Carolina Forest, close to the popular vacation spot of Myrtle Beach, are facing a challenging situation as a wildfire has rapidly spread to over 2,000 acres. This fire kicked off over the weekend and has been fueled by a concerning dry spell and unusually warm temperatures in the area.

In response to the escalating flames, evacuation orders have been issued for several neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area, which lies just about 10 miles from the beach. South Carolina’s Governor has taken significant action by declaring a state of emergency, aiming to provide the necessary support and resources to combat this dangerous blaze.

The firefighting teams have bravely tackled the flames and have managed to contain approximately 44% of the wildfire as of now. However, with the conditions remaining extremely dry, there are worries that smoke could redevelop around the fire scene. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, as areas of low visibility and the lingering smell of smoke could become more pronounced by Friday morning.

As it stands, an air quality alert is currently in effect for Horry County. People in the area are encouraged to take precautions, particularly those with respiratory issues, to ensure their safety and well-being.

Looking at the current weather, things are set to change slightly. Tonight, the gusty winds that have been making conditions difficult are expected to die down, with temperatures dipping to the mid to upper 30s along the beach and even hitting near freezing inland. Friday is looking like a typical winter day with more clouds rolling in and temperatures hovering around the upper 50s near the coast and lower 60s inland.

As we head into the weekend, good news seems to be on the horizon with a warming trend anticipated for Saturday. Expect temperatures to rise into the lower to middle 70s, offering a pleasant day under mostly sunny skies. However, Sunday might not be as forgiving, as cloudy and damp conditions with a 40% chance of rain are expected, although just how much rain will fall remains uncertain.

The Carolina Forest fire stands out as the largest wildfire currently active in either North or South Carolina, surpassing all others in size. In fact, as of Thursday morning, North Carolina alone was managing 81 active wildfires covering more than 1,500 acres, a decrease from over 200 earlier in the week. Fire officials are diligently containing a variety of fire sizes statewide, illustrating the extent of the wildfire situation.

For some context, a wildfire is considered “contained” when it continues to burn but is no longer spreading, while a “controlled” fire means it has been completely extinguished. A notable wildfire in Polk County, North Carolina, has covered over 600 acres and is already 91% contained.

Unfortunately, the combination of high winds and adverse weather continues to lift challenges for firefighters across both South and North Carolina. The South Carolina Forestry Commission is pulling out all the stops, using aircraft, bulldozers, and ground crews—including portable sprinklers and drones—to combat this relentless blaze.

The cause of these wildfires is tied to drastically accumulated dry fuels and limited rainfall leading up to these events. Historically, wildfires are not uncommon in South Carolina, with around 5,000 wildfires reported every year, resulting in around 30,000 acres being burned.

As residents who had to evacuate are finally being allowed back home, they are urged to be cautious, keeping an eye out for any potential hot spots that might flare up. To add a layer of safety, burn bans are now in effect across both states, minimizing the risk of further fire outbreaks.

Stay safe and vigilant, Carolina Forest, as the community comes together during this challenging time. The recovery is underway, and we hope for clearer skies ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Carolina Forest Wildfire: Update on Containment Efforts
Year Two of the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic Approaches
Hazy Skies and Evacuations in North and South Carolina
Wildfire in Carolina Forest: Ongoing Crisis Update
Horry County Issues Citations for Burn Ban Violations Amid Wildfire
Carolina Forest Wildfire Expands Amid Weather Improvements
Myrtle Beach Faces Wildfire Woes Amid Weather Worries
Massive Turnout at Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association Home Show
Myrtle Beach Faces Crime and Nature Threats
Myrtle Beach Faces High Surf Advisory and Tropical Storm Warning

Additional Resources

• CBS News: Carolina Fires Map
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• Weather.com: Wildfires Threaten Homes
• Google Search: Wildfires in South Carolina
• WRAL: Crews Battle Wildfire Near Myrtle Beach
• Google Scholar: Wildfire Management
• AccuWeather: Fires in South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
• My Horry News: FAQ on Myrtle Beach Area Wildfire
• Google News: Wildfire News