South Carolina governor declares state of emergency as raging wildfires prompt mass evacuations

A mass of wildfires burning across South Carolina prompted Gov. Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency Sunday, as firefighters battled a series of blazes that have already consumed approximately 1,200 acres and impacted another 3,000.

Video circulating on social media showed an orange sky as one blaze burned in the neighborhood of Carolina Forest in the Myrtle Beach area. Another video showed smoke and debris in the air as a fire burned in a backyard in nearby Red Hill.

McMaster said more than 175 wildfires are currently burning across the state, affecting around 4,200 acres in areas including Horry, Spartanburg, Union, Oconee and Pickens counties.

“This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need,” McMaster said in a statement. “Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice. Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”

Horry County is receiving resources from state partners, including planes to drop water on the fire, according to the forestry commission. Around 410 personnel are involved in the fire response, and at least 128 fire apparatuses.

“Personnel will continue to staff this incident until the fire is contained,” the South Carolina Forestry Commission said.

No injuries have been reported so far, and no structures have been destroyed, it added.

Video from a plane showed a bird’s-eye view of one fire.