South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday as firefighters fight hundreds of wildfires throughout Carolina.
“I have declared a state of emergency to further support statewide wildfire response efforts and to ensure that first responders continue to carry the necessary resources,” McMaster wrote in an X post.
“The statewide outdoor burning ban remains in effect. Violators will be charged. Please provide information.”
About 5,000 acres have been burned in Palmetto State, with 170 fires reported, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC).
Ignition is caused by very low relative humidity, coupled with dry fuel, which is caused by a considerable lack of rain.
Strong winds led to fires, growing rapidly and spreading.
The biggest fire is in Carolina Forest, a community 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach in Harry County.
As of Sunday afternoon, the wildfire had incinerated 1,200 acres, including 0%, according to the SCFC.
More than 400 firefighters are fighting the flames with at least 127 fire devices, according to the Holly County Fire Department.
As of Sunday morning, no structures had been lost or no injuries were reported.
The South Carolina Army National Guard dispatched two Black Hawk helicopters on Sunday to assist the SCFC and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in wildfire containment.
According to security guards, the Blackhawk water bucket can carry around 600 gallons of water.
SCFC also issued a state Forester burning ban on all counties. It bans all outdoor burning, including burning yard debris, prescription burning, campfires and more in all unedited areas of the state.
The ban sends people who set the prison on fire, but it remains in effect until further notices.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Forest Service said that the brush fire at Blue Ridge Mountain, about 40 miles south of Asheville, is 400-500 acres, including 0% as of Sunday afternoon.
According to Salda Fire Rescue, the Melrose fire burning in the Salda and Trion communities was caused by fallen power lines.
Fire spreads rapidly across the mountains, threatening multiple structures.
North Carolina Emergency Management said there will be ongoing air operations to combat fires.
