Fires Force Mass Evacuations in North and South Carolina

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Evacuations are currently enforced in the northern Upstate of South Carolina and the western mountains of North Carolina due to widespread wildfires that have ignited in multiple areas. As of Wednesday, March 26, officials have reported severe fire activity prompting immediate responses and essential evacuation measures.

Evacuation orders were issued due to the Table Rock Fire and several other blazes, which have already consumed thousands of acres of land in both states. The rampant fires were exacerbated by rough terrain and unfavorable weather conditions, complicating firefighting efforts. The National Weather Service has also issued fire warnings across both states, indicating conditions conducive to fire development.

In South Carolina, the Greenville County evacuation areas include numerous roads like Table Rock Road, River Rock Court, and Caesars Head Highway. Residents are directed to the First Baptist Church in Marietta for shelter, where officials have set up support services for evacuees. They can contact 864-467-3428 for further information.

North Carolina emergency services echoed a similar call to action in surrounding areas. Areas under evacuation include parts of Polk County, where localized wildfires have been reported to spread rapidly. The Department of Public Safety has confirmed mandatory evacuations affecting approximately 145 properties, with areas including Happy Acres Road and Lake Honda being directly threatened by flames.

The ongoing fires in Polk County have already burned over 5,754 acres, with personnel from various states working to bring the blazes under control. “Visibility in the area will be reduced, and evacuation routes can become blocked,” local officials warned residents. “If you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed,” they cautioned.

“This isn’t the first time we’re facing these fires; residents are responding to protect themselves,” noted Kellie Cannon, a spokesperson for Polk County. After the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene last year, residents have shown remarkable resilience despite the ongoing threats posed by wildfires.

In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency due to the escalating situation with the Table Rock Fire, which has reportedly grown to 2,293 acres. Another fire in Greenville County near Persimmon Ridge has also witnessed significant expansion, burning close to 1,000 acres as of the latest updates. No injuries have been reported, but officials are urging residents to be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Local firefighting teams have faced challenges managing the rough terrain and strong winds, significantly affecting their containment strategies. “It’s very steep terrain… conditions make it difficult,” remarked Brad Bramlett, Information Officer for the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

The situation is evolving rapidly with authorities actively monitoring the developments and promising updates as they become available. Evacuations were conveyed through various channels, including direct notifications to residents in danger zones.

In addition to the ongoing wildfires, there have been other emergency incidents in the area, including an explosion of fires throughout various counties in North Carolina, which have prompted collective efforts to battle the crisis.

Stay tuned to local news outlets and emergency broadcasts for real-time updates as this situation develops.