- Wildfires are sweeping across the East Coast, with thousands evacuated in North and South Carolina. Dry, windy conditions fueled the situation.
- South Carolina’s governor declared a state of emergency, with over 175 active fires in the state over the weekend.
- The National Guard is assisting with firefighting efforts.
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Wildfires are ravaging the East Coast following weeks of destructive blazes in Los Angeles earlier this year. As flames sweep through North and South Carolina, hundreds have been evacuated, with warnings of dry, windy conditions that continue to fuel the spread of the fires.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, R, declared a state of emergency on Sunday, March 2, as more than 175 fires burned across the state.
McMaster also issued a statewide burn ban, emphasizing in a social media post, “Our first responders and firefighters are risking their lives to contain many fires.”
South Carolina wildfires
As of Monday, March 3, firefighters have managed to contain most of the wildfires, bringing the total number down to fewer than 120. However, dozens of crews are still battling blazes in several areas, including the Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach, where over 1,600 acres have burned, forcing multiple neighborhoods to evacuate, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
The South Carolina National Guard has deployed Blackhawk helicopters to assist with firefighting efforts, which carry 600 gallons of water to drop on the flames.
North Carolina wildfires
To the north, first responders in North Carolina are working to control wildfires in four state forests. One of the largest fires in Polk County saw crews set controlled fires in an effort to contain the 480-acre blaze, which is currently 30% under control.
Overall, the North Carolina Forest Service reports over 210 fires are active, though most are either contained or relatively small in size.
As of now, no injuries have been reported in either North or South Carolina, and no structures have been destroyed by the fires. However, officials are continuing damage assessments as smoke clears and the flames subside.
Relief is expected from an incoming cold front
The National Weather Service has forecast a cold front moving through the region, bringing rain to help ease the dry conditions that have fueled the fires in the Southeast.
