Hundreds of blazes broke out across the Atlantic Coast, just one month after the most destructive wildfires in U.S. history ravaged California.
The wildfires hit North Carolina and South Carolina, with the latter receiving the brunt of the blazes. Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) declared a state of emergency in South Carolina on Sunday after more than 175 wildfires across the state scorched 1,200 acres and affected another 3,000.
“This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need,” McMaster said in a statement. “Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice. Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”
So far there have been no casualties reported and no structures damaged. However, evacuation orders were issued for several neighborhoods in the Myrtle Beach area, including Spring Lake, Waterford, and Avalon. So far, over 410 firefighting personnel have been mobilized to fight the fires.
According to the National Weather Service, ideal fire conditions, including gusty winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures created a critical fire danger.
In North Carolina, 400-500 acres have been scorched by fires. Though no casualties or damaged structures have been reported, Tryon and Saluda, towns located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, were issued evacuation orders.
The U.S. Forest Service reported that it was battling flames in all four North Carolina national forests.
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The wildfires could draw concerns of a repeat of the destructiveness of the fires on the West Coast, which were contained last month. Beginning on Jan. 7 amid dry conditions and unusually high winds, the fires ravaged Southern California for weeks, requiring a response from an international coalition of 51,818 emergency personnel, according to Cal Fire. The flames burned 57,636 acres, destroyed 16,255 structures, and killed at least 29 people.
The fires were unique in that they ravaged wealthy suburban areas, resulting in unprecedented damage. A preliminary estimate from AccuWeather in mid-January found that the wildfires were the costliest in U.S. history, with the damage valued between $135 billion and $150 billion.