Wildfires Rage in the Carolinas: Evacuations and Emergency Declarations

News Summary

Residents of Carolina Beach, NC, are facing escalating wildfires as both North and South Carolina deal with blazes affecting thousands of acres. With Governor McMaster declaring a state of emergency in South Carolina and over 81 active fires in North Carolina, firefighters are working tirelessly amidst challenging conditions, including a red flag warning. Evacuations are in effect, and air quality is deteriorating, prompting officials to issue warnings for sensitive groups. As investigations unfold into the cause of some fires, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders.

Wildfires Rage in the Carolinas: Evacuations and Emergency Declarations

As residents of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, grapple with the alarming spread of wildfires, both North and South Carolina are feeling the heat—literally! Just as spring begins to brighten up the East Coast, Mother Nature has thrown a wrench in the plans for thousands with multiple wildfires actively blazing since March 6, 2025.

An Alarming Situation

In South Carolina, one wildfire near Myrtle Beach is causing the most concern, having spread over 2,000 acres. The sheer size of this wildfire has led Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency, enabling a more coordinated and effective firefighting response. Luckily, the winds have calmed down somewhat, and rainfall has helped firefighting efforts by stabilizing the size of the blaze at 2,059 acres while increasing its containment to 44%.

Challenges in the Tar Heel State

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, the story isn’t much different. The North Carolina Forest Service is fighting against 81 active wildfires, covering over 1,500 acres. Thankfully, that number has decreased dramatically from more than 200 wildfires just a few days ago. One notable fire in Polk County is spreading over 600 acres and is currently 91% contained, showcasing the hard work of local firefighters.

Conditions Not in Our Favor

However, the news isn’t all good. A troublesome red flag warning has been issued for parts of the Carolinas and other southeastern U.S. regions. This indicates that the weather is ripe for igniting new fires, with strong winds and adverse weather conditions creating a hazardous environment. Firefighters have been using water-dumping planes and Black Hawk helicopters, along with dedicated ground crews equipped with tractors, to manage the ever-changing situation.

Evacuations and Air Quality Concerns

Evacuations have been in place for some affected areas, particularly in Horry County, where evacuees have only just been allowed to return home after intense firefighting efforts. Authorities have warned returning residents about potential hotspots that may rekindle, given fickle weather conditions. Alongside the evacuations comes another serious issue: smoke from the wildfires is impacting air quality. Authorities are issuing warnings for sensitive groups—so if you’re in the area, keep an eye on the air quality reports!

Statewide Measures

In light of these wildfires, North Carolina has put a statewide burn ban in place. This is a precautionary measure intended to minimize the risk of new fires igniting and spreading. South Carolina is dealing with its own challenges, as a second fire, known as Table Rock Fire, has rapidly spread over 2,293 acres, necessitating state-level emergency measures as well.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are leaving no stone unturned, especially following the recent outbreak of the Persimmon Ridge Fire. It has been determined that negligent actions by teenage hikers contributed to this wildfire, and officials are urging everyone to practice caution during this precarious season.

Stay Safe and Aware!

Emergency services are stressing the importance of following evacuation orders and staying informed about ongoing fire conditions. With weather changes and uncontained wildfires posing risks, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Those in affected areas should listen to local authorities—it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

As both North and South Carolinians experience these dire conditions, our thoughts are with those affected, and we hope for cooler days ahead, giving our brave firefighters a chance to put out these damaging wildfires.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• USA Today: Wildfires in the Carolinas
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• New York Times: North Carolina Wildfires
• Google Search: Wildfires in the Carolinas 2025
• CBS News: Wildfires Lead to Evacuations
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
• Fox Weather: Wildfires and Hurricane Helene
• Google News: Wildfires in North Carolina
• NBC News: Evacuation Orders Due to Wildfires
• Google Scholar: Wildfires in the Carolinas 2025

Author: HERE Lexington