Massive South Carolina wildfire doubles in size overnight, prompting more evacuations

A wildfire in Carolina Forest has continued to increase in size and cause more evacuations overnight.

Horry County Fire Rescue first announced on Saturday that first responders were evacuating the Walkers Woods and Avalon neighborhoods of Carolina Forest due to the wildfire threatening homes in the area.

Just before midnight Sunday, Horry County provided another update stating that it is evacuating residents of areas of the Indigo Bay, The Farm and Summerlyn neighborhoods.

Throughout the night, additional evacuations were announced. A full list can be viewed here.

Those evacuating are being asked to head to the Carolina Forest Recreation Center at 2254 Carolina Forest Blvd

As of writing, data from the South Carolina Forestry Commission shows that the fire is burning by Covington Drive and is around 1,200 acres in size and 0% contained. It was around 600 acres late Saturday night, effectively doubling in size overnight.

State Rep. Tim McGinnis said on Facebook later Saturday that he received an update from State Forester Scott Phillips. Per McGinnis, Phillips said two planes and two Blackhawk helicopters will be dropping water on the fire Sunday morning.

State Sen. Luke Rankin said around 8:45 a.m. Sunday that the air assets from the state would be here soon and would try to “tamp down remaining hot spots.”

Read the full story at wmbfnews.com.