Family members are being forced to leave their homes as massive wildfires continue to burn in the mountains of northern South Carolina and western North Carolina.
The dry conditions and millions of trees knocked down by Hurricane Helen last year created the perfect storm for a long, dangerous fire season, according to Robert Scheller, a professor of forestry and environmental resources at North Carolina State University. Scheller previously warned that if the area experiences dry weather following a hurricane, the risk of a fire would be significantly increased.
Northern and South Carolinas are currently banning burns to prevent fires. Meanwhile, local governments are intervening to help those affected. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced on March 24 that FEMA has approved the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to support firefighting operations in the Upstate.
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In Pickens County, a fire at the top of Table Rock State Park was fired on March 21 due to negligence by four teenage hikers, according to the sheriff’s office. The fire, which began around 5:45pm, temporarily locked up other hikers in the area, but managed to escape unharmed.
To date, the fire has spread over 1,156 acres and is not completely suppressed. About 100 homes east of Table Rock State Park remain under a voluntary evacuation order, but no additional evacuations have been issued.
“The wildfires in Polk County are spreading to Henderson County and additional evacuation information can be found below: My office is in regular contact with local officials and is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Table Rock State Park has closed all trail systems, White Oak Campground, Lake Orenoi, the peak of the lake, and areas that will be used all day long until notifications. Officials are urging residents and drivers to avoid burn areas due to the thick smoke along SC Highway 11.
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In Greenville County, firefighters are fighting another wildfire that erupted in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area on March 22nd between Caesarhead State Park and Jones Gap State Park. Persimmon Ridge Fire currently consumes 314 acres and remains at 0% containment.
Previously, the South Carolina Forestry Commission announced a voluntary evacuation northeast of the fire, but later revised that evacuation was not currently planned for residents east or south of the flame.
Firefighters from multiple agencies work round the clock to contain wildfires as conditions remain unstable. Residents will be required to remain vigilant and follow official guidance as the situation continues to unfold.
This article was originally published in the American Faith and has been reposted with permission.
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