Heavy Smoke Blankets South Carolina Amid Wildfire Emergency

Heavy smoke blanketed parts of South Carolina Monday morning as hundreds of fires continued ti burn across the state.

By the time South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday, the fires had burned a combined 4,200 acres across the state amid dry and windy conditions. The governor reiterated that anyone violating the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s statewide burning ban “will be subject to criminal prosecution.”

In its latest update Sunday evening, the SCFC said the Covington Drive Fire, in the Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach in Horry County, had burned 1,600 acres and was 30% contained. The Laurel Ridge Fire in Pickens County was 100% contained after burning 175 acres, and the Blackthorn Drive Fire in Horry County was 80% contained with 800 acres burned.

A video shared by X user @greer93_greer shows thick smoke blanketing the area of Highway 501 near the Carolina Forest fire. In Horry County on Sunday evening, re-entry was allowed for residents who had previously evacuated for the Carolina Forest fire.

Horry County Fire Rescue said there was “heavy, low-hanging smoke blanketed across the area” Monday morning. Fire officials said a number of roads remained closed. The Carolina Forest Recreation Center was expected to reopen at noon on Monday.

“We realize these operations are affecting the normal flow of life in Horry County, and we appreciate the public’s understanding and trust in our teams to make sure everyone stays safe,” fire officials said.