Firefighters in North and South Carolina were busy tackling over 175 wildfires that broke out over the weekend due to windy and dry weather conditions. As a result, residents in some areas had to be evacuated for their safety.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday as more than 175 fires burned over 4,200 acres in the state.
One of the largest wildfires occurred in the Carolina Forest region, located around 10 miles to the west of Myrtle Beach, a coastal city. This particular fire engulfed 1,600 acres of land and was only 30% under control by Sunday evening, as per the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Residents residing near the affected areas were instructed to evacuate their homes due to the approaching danger. However, by late Sunday, the evacuation order was lifted by the Horry County Fire Rescue, bringing relief to the affected communities.
Meanwhile, a brush fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 40 miles south of Asheville, is between 400 and 500 acres and is 0% contained, as of Sunday afternoon, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.
A helicopter drops water to help contain a fire in the Carolina Forest area west of the coastal resort city of Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Sunday. (WMBF-TV via AP)
The Melrose Fire, burning in the Saluda and Tryon communities, was caused by a downed power line, according to Saluda Fire & Rescue. The fire rapidly spread up the mountain, threatening multiple structures and forcing some residents to evacuate.Â
Fire officials have not said what caused any of the fires.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
