Three neighborhoods in Carolina Forest are currently facing the threat of wildfires that have been burning in the Myrtle Beach area. The affected areas are located on the east side of Carolina Forest Boulevard, specifically in the neighborhoods of Avalon, Waterbridge, and Walkers Woods. Horry County spokesperson Thom Bell reported that the fire is concentrated in these regions due to the presence of thick brush and vegetation, which causes the fire to smolder even after being extinguished.
As of Monday, updated mapping indicates that the wildfires have consumed approximately 2,059 acres. Russell Hubright from the Forestry Commission noted that while there has been a slight increase in the fire's spread, this change is primarily due to more precise mapping techniques. The wildfire is currently estimated to be 30% contained, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. “We’re hoping for more progress tomorrow,” Hubright stated on Monday night.
Firefighters have been actively responding to flare-ups throughout the day, with heavy smoke and ash covering the area. An air quality alert has been issued for Horry County, prompting officials to focus their efforts on the Covington Drive neighborhood. Crews are using bulldozers to create perimeter lines around the wildfire. However, the unique soil composition in the region, characterized by layers of peat and vegetative material, has caused tractors to sink, leading to operational delays.
Officials remain optimistic that changing weather conditions, including decreased winds and the possibility of rain this week, will aid firefighting efforts. Horry County spokesperson Mikayla Moskov cautioned, “I wouldn’t say we’re in the clear yet.” While no additional evacuations are anticipated, residents are advised to stay vigilant and ready for potential evacuations if necessary. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the Carolina Forest Boulevard area due to ongoing firefighting activities, and International Drive is currently closed to traffic.
Despite the circumstances, Horry County Schools maintained a normal schedule on Monday morning. Residents who were evacuated from the Carolina Forest neighborhoods were allowed to return home on Sunday evening but have been warned to remain cautious of hot spots and potential flare-ups. Thankfully, no structures have been reported as damaged, and no injuries have occurred as a result of the wildfire.
The American Red Cross shelter at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center has been closed but will now be used for wildfire response operations by public safety agencies. A burn ban has been in effect in Horry County since Thursday due to ongoing dry and windy conditions. Horry County Fire Rescue has been conducting aerial reconnaissance using drones, along with on-site assessments, to enhance their firefighting strategy. In a message from Horry County officials, they acknowledged the disruptions these operations have caused in daily life and expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and trust.
In response to the escalating wildfire situation, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide burn ban on Saturday, which remains in effect until further notice. Over the weekend, at least 102 wildfires were reported statewide, prompting a response from more than 400 personnel across 30 different departments. Blackhawk helicopters and planes commenced water-dropping operations on Sunday to combat the flames. As of Monday, two Blackhawk and one Chinook helicopters, along with two fixed-wing aircraft, are actively involved in firefighting efforts, with each bucket capable of carrying between 600 to 800 gallons of water. Flightradar24 data indicates that aerial operations have focused on areas east of Waterford Plantation and northwest of Walkers Woods.
This article was originally published on March 3, 2025, at 8:30 AM.
