Wildfire Evacuations Issued Amid Multiple Blazes in South Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A series of wildfires are impacting multiple communities in South Carolina, prompting evacuation orders and emergency responses from local fire departments. Crews are actively working to contain the blazes in Horry and Georgetown counties.

The North Myrtle Beach Fire Department, Horry County Fire Rescue, South Carolina Forestry, and SC Division of Resilience have mobilized resources in response to a wildfire blazing in the Lewis Ocean Bay Preserve near Water Tower Road and Carolinas Bays Parkway. As of Saturday afternoon, the fire is estimated to have burned roughly 100 acres.

Horry County Fire Rescue reported that about 20 homes have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, with crews focused on protecting nearby structures. “Residents may notice smoke lingering for an extended period while we work to contain the fire,” a spokesperson for HCFR said.

In a separate incident, the Conway-area wildfire, which initially spread across 100 acres, grew to 200 acres before authorities confirmed it was fully contained. “Soil barriers have been set up to protect all previously threatened structures,” HCFR stated following their Friday morning update.

Witness accounts reveal the severity of the smoke. Resident Harley Hankinson described the scene as “like complete fog,” making visibility difficult. “It sounded like fire burning, like crackling. At that point, the smoke was so thick we had to evacuate,” he said.

Residents faced challenges returning home, with some like landscaper Malik Akram expressing concern over potential damage to their properties. “I just want to make sure my house is straight so I can get back to my house and ensure I don’t lose any of my equipment,” Akram stated.

As fires raged, Horry Electric Cooperative crews worked diligently to replace utility poles damaged by the flames, restoring power to nearly 300 customers affected by outages.

In addition to the current wildfires, burn bans were enacted across Horry, Georgetown, and Darlington counties due to significant fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service reported critical fire conditions across the region, with forecasts indicating wind gusts between 30-40 mph and low humidity levels.

Amid these active fires, Georgetown County Fire & EMS also reported another wildfire near South Fraser Street and North Santee River Road. Firefighters are utilizing engines, bulldozers, and other resources to combat the blaze, which has led to further evacuation orders. The agency urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate effectively.

For residents in the Prince George community near Pawleys Island, evacuation orders have been implemented for those living east of the traffic circle on Vanderbilt Boulevard. County officials opened shelters at the Prince George Riverside clubhouse and Waccamaw Regional Recreation Center for evacuees in need of a temporary refuge.

As these fires unfold, local authorities stress the importance of staying informed. Updates will continue to be provided as the situation develops.