“Increased fire danger” warnings were issued across North and South Carolina on Tuesday, with winds in the region expected to pick up and humidity forecast to plummet.
Firefighters are continuing to battle blazes that started tearing through both states over the weekend, including the large brush fire – the Carolina Forest fire – that broke out five miles north of Myrtle Beach.
The Carolina Forest fire – the largest fire across the two states – has torched more than 2,000 acres and remains just 30 percent contained, according to a Tuesday upate from Horry County Fire Rescue. A smoky Myrtle Beach announced it was “open” and said it would welcome visitors despite the wildfire raging nearby.
The HCFR deployed drones to support ground crews as they reinforced break lines and set up sprinkler systems to saturate the ground. A state-wide burn ban will stay in effect until further notice.
Another wildfire has spread to almost 600 acres around the towns of Tryon and Saluda in North Carolina’s Polk County. It was 63 percent contained.
Over the weekend, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency after approximately 175 blazes were recorded across the Carolinas.
Key Points
- ‘Fire danger’ alert issued for North and South Carolina
- Carolina wildfire map: North and South Carolina under increased fire danger as strong winds threaten region
- Carolina Forest fire swells to over 2,000 acres
- South Carolina's Carolina Forest wildfire may have started in someone's backyard
- 'No buildings and no lives lost,' South Carolina governor says
- Firefighters gain upper hand on Polk County wildfire
Two charged with illegal burning amid Carolina Forest wildfire
04:19
,
Namita Singh
Authorities in South Carolina have charged two individuals with illegal burning as firefighters continue to battle the Carolina Forest wildfire.
However, officials have not confirmed whether these incidents contributed to the blaze.
Horry County emergency management director Randy Webster told a council meeting on Tuesday that one person had been cited, while another had been taken into custody, reported CBS affiliate WBTW.
“There’s been one citation issued for an individual who was burning outside this location, and one is now resting probably somewhat comfortably at J Reuben Long for the same thing,” Mr Webster said.
He stressed the importance of preventing unnecessary strain on emergency services. “It is serious, and we’re taking it serious. We do not need to tax our resources unnecessarily,” he added.
County spokesperson Mikayla Moskov clarified that the illegal burns took place in Conway and the northern part of the county but were unrelated to the 2,059 acre (8.33 sq km) Covington Drive wildfire, the largest in the state.
South Carolina has been under a statewide burn ban since 1 March, following nearly 200 wildfires. Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday, indefinitely extending the restriction.
South Carolina National Guard helicopters fight state's massive blaze
04:00
,
Julia Musto
Happening Now: The South Carolina National Guard continues to work in support of local and state agencies as they work to keep our communities safe. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st. Class Roberto Di Giovine) pic.twitter.com/4ts7EccCwI
— SC National Guard (@SCNationalGuard) March 4, 2025
Severe storm sweeps US with blizzards, wildfires, and tornado threats
03:53
,
Namita Singh
A powerful storm is sweeping across the United States, bringing blizzards, wildfires, and the threat of tornadoes to multiple regions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that parts of Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico face a heightened risk of wildfires due to warm, dry conditions, reported NPR.
Meanwhile, areas with high humidity are bracing for severe thunderstorms, hail, and potential tornadoes through Wednesday, with Louisiana, Arkansas, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida among those at risk.
Heavy snowfall is forecast in the western US, with the Sierra and Rocky Mountain ranges expected to receive up to two feet of snow. The NWS has also issued blizzard warnings for Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota, predicting six to 12 inches of snow from Iowa to upper Michigan.
In contrast, unseasonably warm temperatures are expected in the Midwest, with the warmth likely to extend further east by Wednesday. Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather patterns as the storm continues to move across the country.
Smoke from US wildfires blankets North Carolina’s Triangle region
03:23
,
Namita Singh
Smoke drifting from wildfires in North Carolina and South Carolina shrouded the Triangle region in haze on Tuesday, carrying a faint smell of burning.
Despite the altered skies, residents continued their outdoor routines along Durham’s American Tobacco Trail, jogging and walking dogs as usual. Health experts have advised that such activities remain safe under current air quality conditions but urged people to stay informed about any changes.
Dr David Beuther, a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health, told ABC11 that while the scent of smoke is noticeable, it does not pose significant health risks for most individuals unless air quality deteriorates further.
However, he warned that those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart conditions should be particularly cautious."When the air quality gets bad, generally, we want people with these conditions in the very young and the very old to stay inside," Dr Beuther said.
"That means windows closed, you know, either central air circulating or air conditioning. Or if it's warm, the idea is to keep those windows and doors closed and to keep that particulate pollution out. And if you have to go outside, limit that to a short duration."
Authorities are monitoring air conditions closely as smoke from the wildfires continues to drift across the region.
Watch: S.C. National Guard drops water on Carolina Forest fire
03:00
,
Julia Musto
The South Carolina National Guard is proud to support the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. We are honored to serve the communities, where we live, and work. Always ready, always there! #HorryCounty #SCForestry #SCDNR… pic.twitter.com/TpxaDTNFPG
— SC National Guard (@SCNationalGuard) March 4, 2025
Smoky skies impact Horry County travel
02:01
,
Julia Musto
'YES,' Myrtle Beach is open
01:00
,
Julia Musto
North Carolina disaster recovery centers will have delayed opening
00:00
,
Julia Musto
Due to the predicted severe weather, Disaster Recovery Centers in NC will have a two hour delayed opening on Wednesday, March 4. Help is still available, to find your nearest open center visit https://t.co/2rXveakWVR or call 800-621-FEMA. pic.twitter.com/2ayymmJwoP
— NC Emergency Management (@NCEmergency) March 4, 2025
Carolina Forest resident says wildfire smoke has impacted her health
Tuesday 4 March 2025 23:00
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Julia Musto
Heather Budner, who lives in Carolina Forest, told The New York Times that she woke up Monday morning and felt a scratchiness in her throat because of all the smoke.
“It’s very unsettling to wake up inside your house feeling like you’re outside camping,” she said.
North Carolina Forest Service dealing with staffing shortages
Tuesday 4 March 2025 22:30
,
Julia Musto
North Carolina Forest Service officials said they’ve been hit by staffing shortages, according to WNCT.
“Right now, we’re looking at roughly 100, maybe a little more than 100 vacancies across the state which includes all three regions – Mountain, Piedmont and Coastal Plain,” Philip Jackson told the station. “And those vacancies are pretty evenly distributed.”
“They are the first responders to these wildfires,” he said. “North Carolina averages anywhere between 4,500 to 5,000 wildfires each year. As we mentioned earlier, That usually keeps us top five nationally. Most of our fires get to about two or three acres or less. So, these resources are very good at their jobs.”
'It was horribly terrifying': South Carolina resident speaks out about 2,000+-acre blaze
Tuesday 4 March 2025 22:15
,
Julia Musto
“I’ve never felt so protected in my life,” Suzanne Pickrell, who lives in the Covington Lake neighborhood of Horry County, told The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach. “I’ve never experienced something so incredible to watch as the way they have protected our neighborhood.”
Pickrell, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said this wildfire caused the most fear because of how fast it spread
“It was horribly terrifying,” she said.
North Carolina governor issues warning ahead of severe weather
Tuesday 4 March 2025 21:44
,
Julia Musto
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and emergency officials are urging all North Carolinians to prepare for the possibility of severe weather on Wednesday.
The state faces the potential of severe storms, strong winds, potential flooding, and isolated tornadoes.
“As our state from the mountains to the coast faces a severe storm, strong winds, and potential flooding late tonight and all day tomorrow, we urge all North Carolinians to stay tuned to their local weather forecast and stay safe,” said Stein. “If a severe weather warning for isolated tornadoes is issued for your area, please have a plan to take immediate cover.”
All of North Carolina's National Forests wildfires are contained
Tuesday 4 March 2025 21:15
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Julia Musto
Polk County gives update on fire
Tuesday 4 March 2025 21:13
,
Julia Musto
See South Carolina's air operations
Tuesday 4 March 2025 20:51
,
Julia Musto
Horry County community donates food, other items
Tuesday 4 March 2025 20:16
,
Julia Musto
Extreme fire weather is aimed at Texas today
Tuesday 4 March 2025 20:03
,
Julia Musto
Strong winds and dry air will result in extreme fire weather conditions today. Please avoid activities that could cause a wildfire. pic.twitter.com/MZ2YMqEckL
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) March 4, 2025
A fire has already broken out along the south side of the city of San Antonio, according to News 4.
Brush fire has broken out along I-37 on the far south side of San Antonio. Fire danger this afternoon is extreme. #txwx #TXFire @natwxdesk @NWSSanAntonio https://t.co/05rIOaNTxu
— Joe DeCarlo WX (@joedecarloWX) March 4, 2025
And, there’s one west of the city.
Here is an excellent radar grab of the smoke plume from the active fire currently ongoing in Val Verde County. We are seeing an increase in fire detections with the wind speeds increasing into this afternoon. #txwx #FireWX https://t.co/NpqQQe5fu4
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) March 4, 2025
South Carolina fire officials give inside look at wildfire response
Tuesday 4 March 2025 19:48
,
Julia Musto
Buncombe County burn ban extended
Tuesday 4 March 2025 19:30
,
Julia Musto
An open burn ban in North Carolina’s Buncombe County has been extended, according to the Asheville Citizen Times.
A news release from the county informed the public that the Fire Marshal’s Office has extended the open burn ban through Friday, March 7, at 9 a.m. EST.
Active fires pick up across the Carolinas as winds whip
Tuesday 4 March 2025 19:15
,
Julia Musto
'I’ve never seen a fire move that fast': Resident recalls Horry County wildfire approach
Tuesday 4 March 2025 19:00
,
Julia Musto
Donald Piper, a retired 30-year firefighter, saw external damage around his property in Horry County’s Walker Woods.
“I’ve never seen a fire move that fast,” he told The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach, pointing to the piece of land that was torched next to his home.
South Carolina emergency officials warn residents of severe weather threats
Tuesday 4 March 2025 18:30
,
Julia Musto
South Carolina's Carolina Forest wildfire may have started in someone's backyard
Tuesday 4 March 2025 18:15
,
Julia Musto
Horry County Fire Rescue Spokesperson Tony Casey said Monday that the 1,600-acre Carolina Forest wildfire began in someone's backyard in the Walk Woods neighborhood, according to WPDE.
A resident reported the flames at 2:39 p.m. EST on Saturday.
The fire is believed to have been human-caused.
It has brought thick smoke, that’s impacted visibility and air quality.
"It's horrible and that's actually why I stopped here on my way to work because I can't breathe. I'm congested and my chest is on fire. It's just really bad right now,” Cindy Hayden told ABC 11 News.
Horry County Fire stays at 2,059 acres
Tuesday 4 March 2025 18:00
,
Julia Musto
Neighboring Georgia is also under an elevated fire risk today
Tuesday 4 March 2025 17:45
,
Julia Musto
Neighboring Georgia is also under an elevated fire risk.
The Georgia Forestry Commission said on Monday that it has responded to nearly 500 wildfires within the past week.
Like in the Carolinas, low relative humidity levels and dry conditions are contributing to the situation.
“Dry branches, dead trees and twig can really get fires going,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “Our conditions remain abnormally dry. Although the relative humidity is going will be higher, the strong wind is going to outweigh that in many ways.”
North Carolina under threat of flash floods, tornadoes
Tuesday 4 March 2025 17:31
,
Julia Musto
• Isolated flash floods are possible Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning across the mountains and foothills but the threat for isolated flash floods will continue for portions of the NW into Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/MHZoc9A8S0
— NC Emergency Management (@NCEmergency) March 4, 2025
• A second line of storms along the front will traverse the state late Wednesday afternoon and evening which will primarily continue the threat for large hail and damaging wind gusts. pic.twitter.com/w814LPzun2
— NC Emergency Management (@NCEmergency) March 4, 2025
Polk County provides a weather update
Tuesday 4 March 2025 17:15
,
Julia Musto
Carolina wildfire map: North and South Carolina under increased fire danger as strong winds threaten region
Tuesday 4 March 2025 17:00
,
Julia Musto
South Carolina winds could gust to up to 25mph
Tuesday 4 March 2025 16:45
,
Julia Musto
A massive wildfire in the Carolina Forest area of South Carolina is burning for a fourth straight day, pushing smoke toward highways and residences.
Winds in the areas are expected to pick up, with WMBF forecasting gusts of 20 to 25 miles per hour in the afternoon.
Carolina Forest Fire still over 2,000 acres and 30 percent contained
Tuesday 4 March 2025 16:30
,
Julia Musto
The Myrtle Beach Area Carolina Forest Fire remains at just over 2,000 acres and 30 percent containment on Tuesday morning.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission said that containment lines had been established around the actively burning fire.
“Work continues reinforcing and expanding those firebreaks around the perimeter,” it said in a post.
The fire is believed to be human-caused, but an investigation has not been completed.
Most evacuation orders have been lifted for Polk County's 176 Fire
Tuesday 4 March 2025 16:15
,
Julia Musto
Lingering wildfire smoke in Horry County creates dangerous travel conditions
Tuesday 4 March 2025 16:00
,
Julia Musto
“Due to the nearby wildfire incident, heavy smoke is expected in the Carolina Forest area through at least midday Tuesday,” the Horry County Police Department said Tuesday.
They warned in a Facebook post that visibility in the area may be limited.
“And, while it may be worth driving with extra caution, we encourage the public to carefully go about living as they normally would while paying attention to incident updates,” the department wrote.
15 structures damaged as wildfires tear through N.C. county
Tuesday 4 March 2025 15:55
,
James Liddell
Fifteen structures have been damaged in a single North Carolina county as wildfires continue to ravage the state.
The damage was caused after 78 wildfires erupted in Robeson County between Friday and Sunday, emergency officials told News13. Only one of those, situated on Pine Log Road near Lumberton, had not been contained by Tuesday morning.
Horry County urges residents not to burn amid ban
Tuesday 4 March 2025 15:30
,
Julia Musto
Watch: S.C. National Guard drops water on Carolina Forest fire
Tuesday 4 March 2025 15:12
,
James Liddell
The South Carolina National Guard is proud to support the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. We are honored to serve the communities, where we live, and work. Always ready, always there! #HorryCounty #SCForestry #SCDNR… pic.twitter.com/TpxaDTNFPG
— SC National Guard (@SCNationalGuard) March 4, 2025
A fire danger statement has been issued for the Carolinas on Tuesday. This map shows where
Tuesday 4 March 2025 14:45
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Julia Musto
Veteran South Carolina firefighter’s home ‘damaged’ by wildfire
Tuesday 4 March 2025 14:30
,
James Liddell
A veteran South Carolina firefighter said his home was damaged by one of the wildfires raging through the state.
Donald Piper said he had left his property in Walkers Woods in the Carolina Forest by the time it had caught on fire.
Luckily, emergency personnel were able to prevent the damage and save the home.
“The damage to the house occurred after we left, fortunately they were right on the spot, otherwise it could’ve been a lot worse,” Piper, a firefighter of 30 years, told WSPA. “If they hadn’t been here, let’s say there hadn’t been a station as close as here to get here, then who knows.”
Piper added: “It’s amazing when nobody’s hurt or killed, and property damages are kept to a minimum. That’s really good.”
There's more increased fire danger today in the Carolinas
Tuesday 4 March 2025 14:15
,
Julia Musto
Looks like a busy 24 hours or so across the region as a cold front approaches, with increased fire danger today, strong winds tonight over the mountains, severe thunderstorms possible after midnight, and heavy rain near the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Whew! #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/W7PAfjaodb
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) March 4, 2025
Fire crews keep watch on Polk County blaze overnight as most evacuation orders lifted
Tuesday 4 March 2025 13:45
,
James Liddell
In Polk County, crews will be wrapping up back burn operations for the day soon and will resume tomorrow. Fire crews will continue to monitor the area overnight. The shelter opened for those evacuated will close at 7pm tonight.
— NC Emergency Management (@NCEmergency) March 3, 2025
‘Nose streaming, chest burning’: S.C. resident describes moment home filled with smoke
Tuesday 4 March 2025 13:01
,
James Liddell
Christine Roberson woke up to her smoke-filled home deep in the Carolina Forest during the middle of the night Saturday.
The Walkers Woods resident was told to evacuate her house due to the encroaching smoke and blaze from the brush fire raging in the Carolina Forest before returning to her property on Monday.
Roberson described the physical effects of smoke inhalation.
“You do get a terrible sensation. Eyes burning, nose running from sinuses, some chest burning. That type of thing,” she told WSPA.
She said it was a “miracle” that nobody was injured or their homes sustained major damage.
More than 6,000 acres burned in neighboring Georgia
Tuesday 4 March 2025 11:39
,
James Liddell
More than 500 fires erupted in Georgia within the past week, burning through more than 6,000 acres, officials said.
The Georgia Forestry Commission said that low humidity combined with gusty winds accounted for the spread.
“The number one cause of these fires is escaped debris burning,” GFC Director Johnny Sabo said ina statement Monday. “Fortunately, our crews have been able to respond aggressively to keep individual fire sizes small. However, we need the public’s vigilance for preventing wildfire in the days ahead.”
The National Interagency Fire Center has warned that Georgia is “in the red” for March, with significant wildfire potential predicted.
‘Myrtle Beach is OPEN’ despite large fire several miles away
Tuesday 4 March 2025 10:54
,
James Liddell
The City of Myrtle Beach is “open” despite the Carolina Forest fire engulfing more than 2,000 acres and standing at just 30 percent contained just five miles north.
The city issued a statement urging visitors to “come to town” on Monday evening:
“The City of Myrtle Beach is OPEN. The city's communications team has been fielding calls today from visitors wanting to know if they can still come to town. The answer is ‘yes.’ The wildfires in Horry County have not impacted the City of Myrtle Beach, its residents, businesses, the beach or regular operations.
“Although city employees, friends and family members live in the areas of the wildfires, like the Carolina Forest wildfire, the city is accessible from its regular routes. We thank the brave first responders who have been saving lives and homes in Horry County over the last week. You are true heroes.”
Carolina Forest fire swells to over 2,000 acres as crews battle to put out blaze
Tuesday 4 March 2025 10:10
,
James Liddell
The Carolina Forest Fire has grown to more than 2,000 acres and stands at 30 percent containment, officials said late Monday evening.
“The South Carolina Forestry Commission reports the Carolina Forest-area outside fire has grown to approximately 2,059 acres, and remains at 30 percent contained,” Horry County Fire Rescue said in a statement.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission said fire crews are working to establish containment lines around the actively burning wildfire in an attempt to inhibit the spread.
‘Fire danger’ alert issued for North and South Carolina through Tuesday
Tuesday 4 March 2025 09:23
,
James Liddell
The National Weather Service has warned of “increased fire danger” across the Carolinas through Tuesday due to increasing winds, low humidities and dry, fine fuels – such as grasses and tree debris.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a state-wide burn ban which will be effective until further notice.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to provide some respite on Tuesday evening through to Wednesday.
Drones deployed to assist fire crews on the ground
Tuesday 4 March 2025 08:38
,
James Liddell
Horry County Fire Rescue deployed drones on Monday evening to support ground crews and bolster its fire monitoring activity.
It comes as the Carolina Forest fire – the largest fire in the Carolinas – has grown to more than 2,000 acres and remains just 30 percent contained, according to a late-night update on Monday from the fire service.
“With HCFR drones in the sky this evening, monitoring fire activity, crews on the ground have been responding in real-time,” it said.
Fire crews continue to reinforce break lines and set up sprinkler systems to saturate the ground, the fire service added.
South Carolina governor hails firefighters' 'great performance'
Tuesday 4 March 2025 07:52
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Namita Singh
South Carolina governor Henry D McMaster has applauded firefighters for their efforts.
"The report that I've received so far, there have been no buildings lost and no lives lost," he said.
"It was a great performance."
Meanwhile, evacuated residents were allowed to return on Sunday evening, said Horry County Fire Rescue in a statement.
However, due to thick and dangerous smoke, the agency has advised motorists to stay off roads in the fire zone.
Firefighters gain ground on Carolina wildfires amid persistent dry spell
Tuesday 4 March 2025 06:50
,
Namita Singh
Firefighters in the Carolinas are making progress in containing a series of wildfires that ignited over the weekend, even as fresh blazes emerged due to ongoing dry conditions.
In South Carolina, a wildfire spanning 1,700 acres in the Carolina Forest community near Myrtle Beach was at least 30 per cent contained, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Thick smoke blanketed parts of the Myrtle Beach area on Monday, significantly reducing visibility across the low-lying terrain.
Horry County Fire Rescue urged residents to remain cautious, warning that poor visibility caused by lingering smoke could persist until Tuesday morning.
Efforts to control the flames have been bolstered by aerial support from the South Carolina National Guard.
The guard deployed two Black Hawk helicopters and a Chinook, which have collectively dropped around 60,000 gallons of water on the Carolina Forest fire.
Polk County wildfire containment reaches 63%
Tuesday 4 March 2025 05:52
,
Namita Singh
In Polk County, officials said on Monday that containment of wildfires along highway US-176 had reached 63 per cent.
The news brought a sigh of relief for residents in Saluda and Tryon.
“We were really scared,” Tryon resident Carol Powell told ABC 13 News. “We’re just really glad to see these helicopters and airplanes out here knowing they’re trying to contain this fire.”
Explaining the efforts by the firefighters, NC Forest Service public information officer Jeremy Waldrop said: “[Crews] secured lines. They burned out lines. They secured around these houses. All of these lines and stuff will be patrolled tonight by local crews here and brush trucks.”
“Numerous volunteer fire departments and departments coming from numerous counties have come in,” Mr Waldrop said.
“Hand crews, forest service bridge crews are in. We’ve got [the] North Carolina Wildlife Services Commission. There have been resources coming up from South Carolina as well to assist.”
Officials urge caution as wildfire smoke could impact air quality
Tuesday 4 March 2025 05:22
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Namita Singh
Officials across the Carolinas warned of poor air quality because of smoke.
"What we are really concerned about in the health realm is not what you can see but it's what you can't see," said Fran Marshall, Director of Science Services at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
"The small particles are there too. The smaller particles when you breathe them in get down further in your body and cause aggravation.”
In a drier-than-normal winter, a weekend cold front moved through the area, bringing high winds without the usual rain that accompanies the weather systems in the South and increasing the fire danger.
The area near Myrtle Beach is one of the most dangerous for wildfires in South Carolina as hundreds of years of decomposing vegetation creates peat, which when it dries out can burn for a long time.
Pine trees and other waxy vegetation provide fuel for fires to rapidly spread in dry, windy conditions.
Horry County's population has doubled to 400,000 people over the past 25 years. Many of those newcomers have moved into neighborhoods being rapidly built right next to the oval Carolina Bays where peat and flammable vegetation all grows together.
Fires have been part of the natural landscape of the bays for centuries.
Over 800 wildfires reported in North Carolina in one week
Tuesday 4 March 2025 05:10
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Namita Singh
North Carolina Fire Services responded to over 800 wildfires from 24 February to 3 March, with forest officials saying most were accidental fires caused by humans.
“Those 806 wildfires, those were human caused wildfires. So, we're not talking about lightning, we're talking about folks recreating; whether it was campfires, or it was just open burning," said Philip Jackson of North Carolina Forest Service.