Parts of the Carolinas remain shrouded in thick, smoky haze on Monday as firefighters battle dozens of active wildfires. Despite a slight improvement in conditions, smoke continues to linger across the region, impacting air quality and visibility.
Horry County Fire Rescue warned residents about heavy smoke covering the area. “This smoke will limit visibility for both motorists and residents,” the department shared on Facebook.
The Carolina Wildfires Spread
In South Carolina, the Carolina wildFire, burning five miles north of Myrtle Beach, has grown to 1,600 acres. It is currently 30% contained. Meanwhile, the state is grappling with 163 fires that have scorched over 5,400 acres, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Experts attribute the severity of these fires to rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells. The U.S. Geological Survey highlights the role of climate change, noting that higher temperatures and drier conditions have exacerbated wildfire activity in recent years.
Increased Risk Despite Cooler Temperatures
Although temperatures will be cooler on Monday, the threat remains high due to dry vegetation and air. The National Weather Service issued a warning, saying, “Another dry day will increase the risk of wildfires, despite light winds and cooler-than-usual temperatures.”
The dry conditions have already led to a statewide burn ban, enforced on Saturday after fires flared up across South Carolina. A few of the fires have been contained, and many residents who evacuated have been allowed to return to their homes.
State of Emergency Declared
In a bid to support firefighting efforts, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday. The declaration ensures that resources and support are available to contain the wildfires across the state.
The wildfire threat is not just confined to South Carolina. Areas near Wilmington, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, remain under threat. The National Weather Service continues to issue advisories as both states fight wildfires.
A Growing Wildfire Problem
Wildfires are unfortunately common in the Carolinas. South Carolina typically experiences around 5,000 wildfires annually, burning nearly 30,000 acres of land. Similarly, North Carolina saw 4,588 fires in 2024, which scorched more than 15,000 acres.
In western North Carolina, a brush fire near Tryon and Saluda spread rapidly after a power line fell. The fire quickly climbed a mountain, endangering nearby structures. By Sunday evening, the fire had burned over 500 acres and was 30% contained.
Authorities evacuated some residents of the Tryon area on Saturday. “Expect a strong presence of fire crews in areas such as Bear Creek and Hanging Rock,” Saluda Fire and Rescue warned.
A flight passenger captured disturbing footage of the wildfires from the air, showing plumes of smoke and fire spiraling into the sky. “It was quite terrifying to fly home to,” passenger Becca Ann told CNN.
North Carolina’s Buncombe County also faced two wildfires on Saturday, adding to the strain on firefighting resources in the region.
Climate Change and Its Role in Carolina Wildfires
The climate in the Carolinas has grown warmer over the past 30 years, creating more favorable conditions for fires. According to the South Carolina Office of Resilience’s 2023 report, this period has been the warmest in history. Additionally, summer precipitation has decreased significantly, further drying out vegetation and fueling fire growth.
In contrast, while North Carolina has seen an increase in extreme rainfall, rising temperatures have worsened drought conditions, according to the state’s Climate Science Report.
The impact of climate change on wildfire intensity is evident. Research from the University of California, Los Angeles, shows that while wildfires would still occur in the absence of climate change, they would be less severe. The combination of rising temperatures, droughts, and dry vegetation has made the fires much larger and more destructive.
On Saturday night, fire crews rushed to contain a large wooded fire near Myrtle Beach, a well-known tourist destination. Several homes in the Carolina Forest area were evacuated as firefighters worked to control the blaze.
Despite milder winds and cooler temperatures on Sunday, the wildfire risk remains high. Dry air and vegetation continue to pose significant challenges for fire containment across the Carolinas and parts of northeast Georgia.
Looking ahead, lighter winds will persist through Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to warm to near 60 degrees, with more humid air returning to the region, which could further contribute to wildfire growth.
As fire crews continue their work and conditions remain unpredictable, residents across the Carolinas are urged to stay vigilant. The battle against the wildfires is far from over, and continued precautions will be necessary to protect lives and property.
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