Terrified South Carolina Residents Flee as Raging Wildfire Approaches: 'What If We Can’t Get Out?'

Mar. 15, 2025

Residents in South Carolina fled their homes in a panic on Sunday, March 2, after a raging forest fire quickly grew in size.

Many residents of Myrtle Beach were forced to leave their homes on Sunday as the wildfire expanded, creating chaotic scenes.

As of 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday, March 4, the Covington Drive Fire burned 2,059 acres of land, and 30% is contained, according tothe South Carolina Forestry Commission(SCFC).

The fire is “believed to be human-caused,” the agency said. A burning ban is currently in effect across South Carolina. Meanwhile, no deaths have been reported.

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Gov. Henry McMasterdeclared a state of emergencyon Sunday “to further support wildfire response efforts across the state and ensure our first responders continue to have the resources they need.”

“Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice,” McMaster said. “Those who violate this ban will be subject to criminal prosecution.”

source: people.com