Carolina fire maps show where blazes burning in North, South Carolina

Multiple fires have broken out across the Carolinas, forcing hundreds to evacuate from their homes, with the situation especially bad in South Carolina, where Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday.

Meanwhile, in western North Carolina, crews were trying to contain several wildfires in four forests across the state.

Why It Matters

The U.S. is still reeling from the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County for over a week in January, burning down thousands of structures, including homes, and destroying entire neighborhoods.

The National Weather Service had warned of increased fire danger in the Carolinas region—mainly due to critically dry fuels and low relative humidity.

What To Know

More than 175 fires had burned across 6.6 square miles in South Carolina, as of Sunday, according to the State Fire Marshal.

Crews made progress in the containment of a blaze in the Carolina Forest area west of the coastal resort city of Myrtle Beach, which was estimated to have burned 2.5 square miles.

Locals had been ordered to evacuate earlier that day but by Sunday afternoon, the Horry County Fire Rescue said Carolina Forest evacuees could return home.

In North Carolina, where crews were fighting several forest fires, the largest (around 400 acres) was at Uwharrie National Forest. This blaze had reached about one-third containment by Sunday afternoon.

Some residents in the small southwestern town of Tryon in Polk County, North Carolina, were urged to evacuate—a decision on whether to lift evacuations for the area is expected to be made on Monday.

The cause of the fires is not yet known.

What Are People Saying

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster: “This state of emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need.

“Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice. Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”

Weather Channel meteorologist Robb Ellis: “Wildfires are not only common in parts of the Carolinas, but are part of the natural ecosystem of the area, especially in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain. Pine forests regularly rely on wildfire for the release of seeds from pinecones and to clear vegetation for new growth.”

What Happens Next

Emergency services should issue updates on any progress made in fighting the blazes and on evacuation orders soon. The long-term impact of these fires, in terms of destruction, damage and environmental concerns, is yet to be seen.