Carolina Forest fire remains 30% contained as smoky conditions persist – wpde.com
Now 65 Wed 68 Thu 57The Carolina Forest wildfire has reached 2,059 acres, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.by Caroline SurfaceTOPICS:HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Smoky conditions persist in Carolina Forest on Monday morning as crews work to contain the flames. The South Carolina Forestry Commission stated in a post at 7:39 p.m. that the Carolina Forest fire has reached 2,059 acres. On Tuesday morning, the SCFC said that the cause of the fire is believed to be human caused, but the investigation is not complete. This fire was not caused by a prescribed burn, according to officials. ‘Heavy, low-hanging smoke’ is across Carolina Forest, limiting visibility, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.Officials said the smoke is persistent in the Carolina Forest area as well as up and down Highway 501 and 31 to Water Tower Road.As of 9:14 a.m. on Monday, HCFR and assisting crews are actively working on the wildfire incident. Forestry is assisting with plows, strengthening and cutting lines to work toward containment, and officials said other water drops are expected on Monday.Officials said they appreciate “any assistance in ensuring the airspace stays open for these operations.”There is still no loss of homes or injuries.International Drive is closed between the fire gates (approximately a mile down from Highway 90 and approximately one mile west of Ocean Bay Elementary School) and there’s no estimated time when it will reopen as of now. Law enforcement will remain in the area until these roads fully reopenOfficials said to avoid Carolina Forest Boulevard area if possible as public safety agencies work.Officials said on Monday morning that they are ‘beyond well stocked’ on donation items for first responders and evacuees at Carolina Forest Community Church.The South Carolina Forestry Commission estimated Sunday evening that the blaze had burned 2.5 square miles with 30% of it contained.RELATED: Smoke from wildfire moves farther inland, trapped smoke will cause low visibilityGov. Henry McMaster warned Saturday during the statewide burn ban that anyone starting a fire outdoors “can and will go to jail.” “Our first responders and firefighters are risking their lives to contain many fires across South Carolina tonight,” McMaster added.A state of emergency was declared Sunday night. Evacuation orders were lifted Sunday evening. However, some shelters are still operating.The American Red Cross shelter at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center is now closed as of Monday at 10:00 a.m., according to Horry County officials. The facility will be used for wildfire response operations for public safety agencies. Residents needing assistance can call the American Red Cross at: 843-477-0020. There were 18 people in the shelter overnight on Sunday. RELATED: Avalon community relieved as wildfire threat subsides in Carolina ForestCheck back here for updates.
