Recently, the Carolinas have been plagued with fires that spread across many areas. These fires escalated to the point of catching the attention of South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, as he declared a state of emergency. As part of this state of emergency, a state-wide burning ban has been imposed, with violations carrying the potential for criminal prosecution. 

Local firefighters from both North and South Carolina are working hard to contain the fires that are spreading. They face additional challenges, such as containing reignited fires while also having to manage any new fires that spark. These fires are spreading quickly being fueled by strong winds that travel across the dry terrain in the Carolinas causing many evacuations, mainly in South Carolina. 

Jeremy Waldrop, a forestry technician, has stated that the fire covers over 400 acres in North Carolina alone. Even though South Carolina has announced a state of emergency, North Carolina as a whole has yet to do so since most of the fires remain in heavily forested areas, avoiding heavily populated North Carolina counties. 

In total, over 600 acres were burned this weekend alone, with a majority of the damage occurring in North Carolina’s National Forests. These fires have burned hundreds of acres, severely impacting North Carolina’s forests.

Major fire warnings and land loss started in the three counties listed below: 

Clemson, South Carolina – The area of Clemson is currently under a red flag fire alert as there is extreme dry weather and low humidity causing the area to be akin to a match. The community is being urged to stay in caution and avoid all outdoor burning. They are specifically advised against burning leaves, fire pits, fireplaces and improperly discarded smoking materials. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The Myrtle Beach fire, known as the Carolina Forest Fire, is attributed to a resident of the beach, Alexandra Bialousow. She was arrested on two charges related to a yard burn that started the raging fire at Myrtle Beach. The fire has already spread across 2,059 acres. 

Tryon, North Carolina – the Tryon wildfire was sparked by a down power line and burned more than 600 acres. Fortunately, this fire has due to heavy rainfall on March 8, 2025.  

Additional counties such as Asheboro, Nantahala, New Bern, Seneca, Spartanburg, Union, and Uwharrie. Both North and South Carolina continue to fight against these devastating fires as everyone tries their best to minimize further destruction.