Authorities in parts of North Carolina and South Carolina issued evacuation orders on Saturday as firefighters battled fast-moving wildfires fueled by dry, windy conditions across the region.
According to Saluda Fire and Rescue, a brush fire ignited by a fallen power line along US Highway 176 rapidly spread up a nearby mountain, threatening several structures near the towns of Tryon and Saluda.
As of 11:30 p.m. Saturday, the fire had expanded to 400 acres with 0% containment, prompting multiple fire departments to deploy resources to contain the blaze.
Residents near the highway were ordered to evacuate, with fire crews working to protect homes and clear fire-prone areas in Bear Creek, Hanging Rock, Rhododendron Dr., Oceanview Dr., and Meadow Lark Dr.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide burning ban as firefighters responded to dozens of wildfires.
A large woods fire near Myrtle Beach led to the evacuation of several homes in the Carolina Forest area, while fire officials worked to prevent further spread.
Although the National Weather Service lifted its red flag warning at 10 p.m. Saturday, a Fire Danger statement remains in effect for the Columbia and Greenville-Spartanburg areas until 8 p.m. Sunday, cautioning that dry fuel and low humidity could worsen fire conditions.
