HORRY COUNTY, S.C. () — The Covington Drive wildfire in Horry County, S.C., burned more than 1,600 acres. No homes or injuries were reported from the fire.

Now the South Carolina Forestry Commission has released plans for a mastication project that will continue wildfire suppression efforts.

Mastication is when hazardous vegetation is ground into a layer of mulch, reducing flammable materials and allowing better access for firefighters.

While firebreaks are currently containing the fire, infrared searches have indicated there are still many hotspots. Since many homes are adjacent to the fire zone, this project will create a buffer against any flare ups. A zone like this gives firefighters the room this need.

This buffer zone will be approximately 30 feet wide. It will help with the present situation and make it easier to protect homes in case of future fires.

The project is expected to last seven to ten days. Horry County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service are working with the South Carolina Forestry Commission.