175 wildfires in North and South Carolina force some evacuations
Share and Follow

Firefighters across North and South Carolina battled more than 175 wildfires that erupted over the weekend in windy and dry conditions and forced residents to evacuate some neighborhoods.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday as more than 175 fires burned over 4,200 acres in the state.

The largest wildfire was reported in the Carolina Forest area, about 10 miles west of the coastal city of Myrtle Beach. That blaze scorched 1,600 acres and was 30% contained as of Sunday evening, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. 

Residents had been ordered to evacuate several neighborhoods near that wildfire, but by late Sunday afternoon, the evacuation order was lifted, Horry County Fire Rescue said.

Meanwhile, a brush fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 40 miles south of Asheville, is between 400 and 500 acres and is 0% contained, as of Sunday afternoon, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

helicopter drops water

A helicopter drops water to help contain a fire in the Carolina Forest area west of the coastal resort city of Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Sunday. (WMBF-TV via AP)

The Melrose Fire, burning in the Saluda and Tryon communities, was caused by a downed power line, according to Saluda Fire & Rescue. The fire rapidly spread up the mountain, threatening multiple structures and forcing some residents to evacuate. 

Fire officials have not said what caused any of the fires.

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Girls missing from flooded Texas Christian camp ID'd

Identification of girls who went missing from flooded Texas Christian camp

Amid the devastating aftermath of a flood that claimed the lives of…
Heartbreaking final hours of 'bullied' YouTube star

Tragic last moments of YouTube celebrity facing bullying

Beloved animal rescuer Mikayla Raines spent what would tragically prove to be…
UN report targeting Israel sparks backlash, author accused of overstepping her mandate

UN report targeting Israel sparks backlash, author accused of overstepping her mandate

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A United Nations report…
Chelsea benefits from Palmeiras own goal to reach FIFA Club World Cup semifinals

Chelsea advances to FIFA Club World Cup semifinals with the help of an own goal by Palmeiras

Chelsea advanced to the Club World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory…
Natasha Cloud's WNBA All-Star Game case isn't straightforward

Natasha Cloud’s situation for the WNBA All-Star Game is not simple

The Liberty will be well represented at All-Star weekend in Indianapolis later…
Gov. Greg Abbott officially names Texarkana as Film Friendly

“Texarkana Designated as Film Friendly by Gov. Greg Abbott”

TEXARKANA, Tx. (KTAL/KMSS) – Texarkana will now join more than 200 Film…
How much money does Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Sheriff T.K. Waters make?

“Salary Breakdown: How Much do Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff T.K. Waters Earn?”

New documents released under Florida law show at least 10 Jacksonville city…
Fireworks explosion in Pacoima, California turns deadly after multiple homes set on fire

Deadly Outcome as Fireworks Blast Causes House Fires in Pacoima, California

PACOIMA, Calif. — A man was killed and a woman left in…