Fire breaks out in North and South Carolina, Governor declares a state of emergency

People living in Carolina woke up to a bad Monday as they found themselves engulfed in a mass bushfire which is spreading at a very high speed.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency today as over 175 wildfires are burning across South and North Carolina, scorching more than 4,200 acres.

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Henry also said that a statewide burn ban would remain in effect indefinitely. The South Carolina Forestry Commission was dropping water from airplanes to battle the blaze.

The largest fire, located in the Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach, has expanded to 1,200 acres with no containment, prompting evacuations in neighborhoods such as Walker Woods and Avalon. The fire started on Sunday.

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🚨 #BREAKING Incoming smart city in Myrtle Beach.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency today as over 175 wildfires burn across South and North Carolina, scorching more than 4,200 acres. The largest fire, in the Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach,… pic.twitter.com/7FhjA02Sri

— SyeClops (@SyeClops) March 2, 2025

The fire was caused by a downed power line and quickly spread up a mountain, threatening several buildings, according to Saluda Fire and Rescue.

Strong winds, dry air, and afternoon temperatures in the low 70s contributed to the swift spread of the flames. South Carolina also experienced unusually low rainfall in February, leading to dry vegetation.