HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A 600-acre fire is threatening homes in Carolina Forest.
Officials evacuated the Reserve area of the Walkers Woods neighborhood and the Avalon neighborhood of Carolina Forest due to active wildfires, according to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR).
As of 11:57 p.m., evacuations are in place for the Indigo Bay, the Farm, and the Summerlyn neighborhoods of Carolina Forest.
As of 7:30 p.m., residents of Tuckahoe Road and Wyandot Court can return home, but much of the remainder of Walkers Woods and Avalon remains evacuated.
As of 9:30 p.m., the fire is actively burning behind the Avalon neighborhood and extends across a wide expanse of non-residential land toward Highway 90 and International Drive. HCFR reported the fire was roughly behind Birnamwood Court, saying these areas were of the highest concern for potential evacuations “if weather and fire conditions evolve.”
Other areas near Carolina Forest do not have official evacuation notices but should remain cautious at this time.
Bellegrove residents are not currently in the evacuation order; however, given the proximity, HCFR encourages residents – and all residents in Carolina Forest – to prepare as if you will evacuate and heed all directives from public safety personnel.
“In the event of an evacuation, community members will see public safety personnel (police, fire, ems, etc.) come through the neighborhood to deliver messages via PA system and door-knocking, Those who are registered for Code Red or follow us on social media will also receive notifications via their phone and/or email,” according to HCFR.
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“My two daughters went outside, and in two minutes, we started seeing the flames. So my husband was like, ‘Out now, out now,’ and I said, ‘Do we get something?’ ‘Now Maria!’,” Maria Rivera, a Walkers Woods resident said. “Unbelievable. You always watch these things on TV like in California, and you never think it’s going to happen to you. So, I can’t describe what it’s like that I have a house that’s still there and everything that I have now, I get to go back to it.”
DEVELOPING A PLAN FOR THE NIGHT
Community members who live in Carolina Forest between Carolina Forest Boulevard and Highway 90, on the eastern side toward International Drive, are encouraged to make an overnight safety plan. HCFR suggests:
- Registering to receive Code Red emergency alerts
- Packing a “go-bag” of essentials in case you must evacuate quickly – think food, medication, clothing, critical documents, pet needs, etc.
- Monitoring the weather forecasts and your local meteorologists
In the event of an evacuation, it’s critical to act without delay, take only what you need, follow the directives of law enforcement and first responders, and move quickly to safely.
If you’re in immediate danger – such as flames blocking your exit or approaching your home, call 911.
THE SCENE
The scene is active, and crews are working to contain the blaze. Local authorities, as well as the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC), are on site.
The SCFC arrived on the scene with heavy machinery used for clearing brush and debris. Fire crews have deployed drones to monitor shifts in the fire.
Horry County Fire-Rescue says there are 410 personnel manning 127 fire apparatus, among other vehicles.
So far, no structures have been taken by the fire, and no injuries have been reported, though some neighbors in the Walkers Woods area reported seeing damage to fences and yards through security cameras at their homes.
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All other residents should steer clear to leave roadways open for first responders.
The county government has closed International Drive between Highway 90 and the International Drive schools to facilitate its response to the Carolina Forest wildfire. That closure is in effect until further notice.
Firefighters at the scene are rotating in and out of active work, changing shifts at the Carolina Forest Community Church, where volunteers are providing food and beverages.
FOR EVACUEES
Evacuees who need a place to go can head to the Carolina Forest Recreation Center at 2254 Carolina Forest Boulevard. The shelter will be in place overnight with cots, food, and more to serve those who are displaced.
VCA Palmetto Animal Hospital is open for anyone needing to board their pets. To board your pet with the hospital, call 843-903-1900.
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Home of the Hand Car Wash is offering space for those who may need to park their cars during the evacuations. Reach out to Dean directly at 845-801-3882.
Vacation Myrtle Beach, a local hotel group, is offering discounted stays to residents displaced by the fires in Carolina Forest March 1 through March 6.
MORE INFO ON HOTELS: Myrtle Beach hotel group offers discounted rates for locals displaced by fires
