175 wildfires erupt in the Carolinas, forcing evacuations as fierce winds and dry conditions fuel destruction

Wildfires exploded across South and North Carolina overnight, scorching thousands of acres and forcing urgent evacuations as firefighters battled against relentless winds and bone-dry conditions. A staggering 175 blazes ignited across both states, prompting South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency and enforce a strict statewide burning ban.

One of the most aggressive fires ripped through Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach, consuming more than 1,600 acres and threatening the communities of Walkers Woods and Avalon. Firefighters managed to contain 30% of the blaze by Sunday afternoon, and by evening, authorities lifted the evacuation order. However, the devastation was far from over.

In Horry County, a second wildfire north of Carolina Forest devoured over 300 acres and continued burning out of control. Further south, another massive blaze erupted in Georgetown County near Prince George, ballooning to 800 acres and prompting widespread evacuations. Firefighters made significant progress, but officials remained on high alert.

Pickens County faced another terrifying inferno, with flames spreading rapidly in the Six Mile Mountain area. Swift action from emergency responders prevented the fire from reaching homes, and by Sunday morning, it was 85% contained after scorching nearly 300 acres.

North Carolina also battled fierce flames. In Polk County, a fast-moving brush fire erupted Saturday afternoon near Highway 176, triggered by a downed power line. The fire exploded overnight, consuming 400 acres and threatening the towns of Melrose, Tryon, and Saluda, where mandatory evacuations were enforced. With no containment in sight, fire crews scrambled to slow the blaze before it spread further.

The crisis intensified as red flag warnings blanketed the Southeast, signalling extreme fire risk due to the dangerously dry and windy conditions. Governor McMaster warned that anyone caught starting an outdoor fire in South Carolina would face immediate legal consequences. “That means you can and will go to jail for starting a fire outdoors in South Carolina, period,” he declared.

The cause of the Carolina Forest fire remains under investigation, but the intense combination of gusty 40 mph winds and parched vegetation provided the perfect conditions for flames to spread uncontrollably. Meanwhile, authorities are also investigating the Georgetown County fire, which erupted in the same area where officials had conducted a controlled burn earlier in the week.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to battle the blazes, but officials cautioned that worsening conditions could spark new infernos at any moment. The wildfires in the Carolinas come as other parts of the country, including Texas and New Mexico, brace for similarly dangerous fire weather.

Despite efforts to contain the destruction, the situation remains volatile. With the threat of more wildfires looming, emergency responders continue their fight to protect communities from the relentless infernos tearing through the region.