Wildfires Force Evacuations in Carolinas, Prompt South Carolina State of Emergency
Firefighters in North and South Carolina spent the weekend battling numerous wildfires amid dry and windy conditions, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for some residents.
Key Developments: South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday, following a statewide burn ban issued the previous day. The ban will remain in effect indefinitely, according to the governor.
Evacuation orders were briefly enforced due to the state's largest wildfire, the Carolina Forest Fire near Myrtle Beach, which had scorched approximately 1,600 acres and was 30% contained by Sunday evening. Residents were later allowed to return home.
In North Carolina, officials also issued evacuation orders in response to the 176 Fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which had burned over 500 acres and was 30% contained as of 8 p.m. Sunday. Polk County Emergency Management stated on Facebook that a decision on lifting evacuation orders would be made on Monday.
Wider Impact: Strong winds and extremely dry conditions contributed to "critical to extremely critical fire weather conditions" across parts of the Southern Plains, including eastern New Mexico and far western Texas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS warned that as the weather system moved through the Southwest and into the southern High Plains, gusty winds combined with dry conditions would elevate fire risks. Southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas were identified as areas of particular concern through Sunday and early Monday.