HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – A wildfire burning has prompted people to evacuate from two neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area.
Horry County Fire Rescue announced that first responders are evacuating the Walkers Woods and Avalon neighborhoods of Carolina Forest due to the wildfire threatening homes in the area.
Just before midnight Sunday, Horry County provided another update stating that it is evacuating residents of areas of the Indigo Bay, The Farm and Summerlyn neighborhoods.
Those evacuating are being asked to head to the Carolina Forest Recreation Center at 2254 Carolina Forest Boulevard.
As of around 9 p.m., the county said residents only on Tuckahoe Road and Wyandot Court are allowed to return home. However, a county spokesperson also noted that another evacuation is possible if conditions change.
Officials also said no structures have been severely impacted by the fire. Crews are also still working to determine the fire’s full impact.
An Horry County spokesperson said the most pressing need was making sure that those not impacted by the fire steer clear of the area. They’re also asking to keep roadways open and available for public safety crews.
The county is also asking residents not to use personal drones at the active scene.
State Rep. Tim McGinnis said on Facebook later Saturday that he received an update from State Forester Scott Phillips. Per McGinnis, Phillips said two planes and two Blackhawk helicopters will be dropping water on the fire Sunday morning.
“We have multiple fires burning not just in Horry and Georgetown counties, but all over the state. Right now they’re not able to determine how big the Carolina Forest fire is, or how much is contained,” McGinnis continued.
We are working to learn more information on the fire.
Drone video of the massive wildfire near neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area.
A wildfire burning has prompted people to evacuate from two neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area.
EVACUATIONS
Horry County said the shelter has since transitioned from county management to being managed by the American Red Cross. The shelter will be in place overnight with cots, food and other supplies.
The county also sent the following message to residents in the Carolina Forest area later Saturday:
Crews are continuing to work a large wildfire near Carolina Forest. Horry County is monitoring the weather forecast and preparing to adjust course in our life safety and property protection plan should conditions evolve.
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.
Out of an abundance of caution, 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.
Register to receive Code Red emergency alerts from Horry County https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/1FED0DDEEC23
Pack a “go-bag” of essentials in case you must evacuate quickly – think food, medication, clothing, critical documents, pet needs, etc
Monitor the weather forecasts from National Weather Service, Wilmington, NC, and your local meteorologists
Follow Horry County Fire Rescue on social media and the Horry County website for updates
In the event of an evacuation, it is critical that you act without delay. Take only what you need, follow the directives of first responders, and move quickly to safety.
A shelter remains operational at Carolina Forest Recreation Center (2254 Carolina Forest Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29526).
If you are in immediate danger – such as flames are approaching your home or blocking your ability to safely exit – dial 911.
For those with animals, the VCA Palmetto Animal Hospital on Highway 501 is open for those needing to board pets. Call 843-903-1900 for more information. An Horry County spokesperson also said the county will address pet needs as best as they can for those at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center.
Local hotel group Vacation Myrtle Beach is also offering discounted rates to those displaced by the fires. Displaced residents can book a stay at Hotel Blue or the Landmark Resort for $49 per night with additional fees waived through March 6. Proof of residence is also required. Call 866-951-6808 for more information.
ROAD CLOSURE
Horry County officials also said Saturday evening that International Drive will be indefinitely closed to traffic starting at 7:20 p.m.
The closure will run from International Drive at Highway 90 to the nearby Ocean Bay schools.
The county said crews are utilizing the road for its emergency response.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
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