Brush fires broke out in both North Carolina and South Carolina on Saturday, leading officials to issue evacuation orders.
A fire in Polk County, North Carolina, had engulfed at least 400 acres with no containment as of late Saturday night, according to the North Carolina Fire Service. Authorities warned that structures could be in danger, and damage assessment would take place on Sunday morning.
Polk County urged residents along U.S. Highway 176 between Tryon and Saluda to evacuate, cautioning on Facebook that the fire was spreading quickly as multiple fire departments worked on containment efforts. Tryon and Saluda are located about 40 miles south of Asheville.
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A large wildfire burning near the Carolina Forest. (Horry County Fire Rescue)
Displaced residents in the county were advised to seek shelter at the Polk County Meeting Place in Columbus.
In South Carolina, Horry County Fire Rescue issued evacuation orders for residents in several neighborhoods in Carolina Forest, which is approximately 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach, due to efforts to contain a wildfire.
“Crews are actively addressing a significant wildfire near Carolina Forest,” mentioned the fire rescue on Facebook. “Horry County is closely monitoring weather forecasts and stands ready to adjust our life safety and property protection strategies if conditions change.”
A statewide burning ban was issued in South Carolina due to dangerous wildfire conditions. (Horry County Fire Rescue)
State Rep. Tim McGinnis of South Carolina GOP mentioned on Facebook that two planes and a Blackhawk helicopter would drop water on the fire Sunday morning, as per the update he received from State Forester Scott Phillips. Tractors were also en route to assist in creating firebreaks around the fire for containment.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, declared a statewide burning ban in light of hazardous wildfire conditions. He emphasized that anyone starting a fire in the state would face imprisonment, while firefighting teams worked to contain multiple fires throughout the state.
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Horry County Fire Rescue ordered the evacuation of residents from several neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest. (Horry County Fire Rescue)
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A red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service expired late Saturday night for western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. Red Flag warnings indicate critical fire weather conditions are either underway or imminent.
