North Carolina: Multiple wildfires erupted across the US states of North and South Carolina on Saturday, prompting evacuations as strong winds and dry conditions fueled the flames, CBS News reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, in North Carolina, a fire in Polk County scorched at least 400 acres with zero containment, according to Jeremy Waldrop of the North Carolina Fire Service. “Structures could be at risk,” Waldrop warned, adding that officials would assess potential damage Sunday morning. Polk County authorities ordered evacuations along US Highway 176 between Tryon and Saluda, as firefighters battled the rapidly spreading blaze.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Horry County Fire Rescue evacuated several neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area, just 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach. Details on acreage and containment were not immediately available. “Horry County is monitoring the weather forecast and preparing to adjust course in our life safety and property protection plan should conditions evolve,” the fire department stated in a social media post.
South Carolina state Rep. Tim McGinnis said firefighting efforts would ramp up Sunday morning, with two planes, a Blackhawk helicopter, and ground crews using tractors to dig containment lines. The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide burn ban after more than 100 fires were reported Saturday. A red flag warning from the National Weather Service expired late Saturday night, but officials continue to monitor conditions.