Mandatory Evacuations Ordered as Fires Rage Near Greenville and Pickens Counties

News Summary

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Greenville and Pickens Counties, SC, due to rapidly spreading wildfires. The Table Rock Fire and Persimmons Ridge Fire have caused significant destruction, leading to the closing of designated evacuation areas. Emergency services, including 148 firefighters, are working tirelessly to combat the flames and protect residents. As the situation unfolds, community support is mounting and health advisories are in place due to smoke from the fires. Residents are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation guidelines.

Mandatory Evacuations Ordered as Fires Rage Near Greenville and Pickens Counties

Greenville, SC – The situation is getting more serious by the hour as the South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued mandatory immediate evacuations for residents in parts of Greenville and Pickens Counties. This drastic action comes in response to the rapidly spreading Table Rock Fire and the Persimmons Ridge Fire, both of which have breached containment lines largely due to strong winds.

Evacuation Centers and Areas Affected

If you find yourself in the evacuation zone, make sure to head to the designated evacuation center. The Marietta First Baptist Church, located at 2936 Geer Hwy, Marietta, SC 29661, is now open for those needing shelter. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has detailed the evacuation areas on their Facebook page, so it’s worth a visit for the most current updates.

Fire Details: What You Need to Know

As of now, the Table Rock Fire has consumed an alarming 10,894 acres in South Carolina and 574 acres in North Carolina, with only 9% containment reported. This fire erupted on March 21, 2025, and is suspected to be caused by human activity. Close on its heels, the Persimmons Ridge Fire has scorched about 2,078 acres of land, maintaining a higher containment rate of 24% since it began on March 22, 2025. This, too, is believed to have occurred due to human actions.

Evacuation Orders and Changing Guidelines

Residents in certain areas of Greenville County are still under strict mandatory evacuation orders, while those impacted in Pickens County are seeing guidelines shift from mandatory to voluntary. If you reside north of the Greenville-Pickens County line or near specific roads listed for evacuation, it’s crucial to evacuate as instructed.

Just to give you an idea of the scale of the situation, over 758 structures are currently under a mandatory evacuation order. While the evacuation boundaries for the Table Rock Fire have remained unchanged, crews are on the ground working tirelessly to battle the flames.

Firefighting Efforts Underway

With fire crews working around the clock, a total of 148 firefighters are actively engaged in combating these devastating fires. They’re utilizing a fleet of firefighting vehicles, along with air support to douse the flames. It’s a collaborative effort, with various agencies joining forces to protect the communities that lie in harm’s way.

Community Support and Health Advisories

The community is rallying to support first responders with donation drives and drop-off locations already established. Meanwhile, an Air Quality Alert has been issued, prompting officials to advise residents to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors due to hazardous conditions caused by the wildfire smoke. Although no injuries have been reported so far, those with respiratory issues should exercise caution, especially when considering a return home.

Current Status and Future Updates

As of yesterday, the Table Rock Fire’s intensity has increased dramatically, expanding across another 4,556 acres. Unfortunately, it remains at approximately 0% containment. However, the good news is that the evacuation advisory for Transylvania County has been lifted, although residents are still encouraged to have an evacuation plan in place.

Remember, while the situation is dire, officials are committed to keeping the public informed as updates come through. With ongoing adjustments and strategies being put in place, we will get through this challenging chapter together.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WYFF4: South Carolina Fire Evacuations
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• Greenville Online: Live Updates on Wildfires
• Google Search: Table Rock Fire
• Fox Carolina: Evacuations Underway in Western Carolinas
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
• WSPA: Evacuations in Effect due to Table Rock Fire
• Google News: South Carolina Wildfires
• The State: South Carolina Wildfire News

Author: HERE Lexington