USA: 175 Wildfires Ravage North and South Carolina – Evacuations Ordered

The states of North and South Carolina are under a ‘red flag warning’ as firefighting authorities battle 175 wildfires that erupted on Saturday (01.03.2025). The wildfires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions overnight, have threatened homes and prompted evacuations in many areas. Ongoing operations are underway to tackle more than 175 wildfires that have scorched a total of 4,200 acres. Major fires are burning in the counties of Horry, Spartanburg, Oconee, Union, and Pickens, according to the Fire Chief of South Carolina on Sunday. The rapid spread of the fire in the Carolina forest had burned over 1,200 acres by Sunday morning and was threatening the communities of Walkers Woods and Avalon, as reported by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The fire remains 0% contained, officials stated. One of the largest fires currently raging since Sunday morning is threatening residents near Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. In Polk County, North Carolina, officials have set up an emergency shelter as a wildfire that scorched 400 to 500 acres devastated an area between the communities of Tryon and Saluda, approximately 40 miles south of Asheville. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued a statewide alert due to fire hazards on Saturday evening. ‘Our first responders and firefighters are risking their lives to contain numerous wildfires across South Carolina tonight,’ McMaster said. A state of emergency has been declared in South Carolina with red flag fire warnings issued across the entire state and a ban on all types of burning enforced statewide. The causes of the wildfire in Carolina are under investigation. Officials from the firefighting department stated that the fire broke out due to wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and exceptionally dry conditions. The fire impacts the small towns of Tryon (population 1,600) and Saluda (population approximately 1,000), about 40 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina. The U.S. Forest Service announced it is responding to the fires and the four national forests (Croatian, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Pisgah) in North Carolina. On Sunday, the largest fire was burning in the Croatian National Forest, scorching at least 114 acres.