Firefighters from several departments went to Horry County to relieve local crews battling the Carolina Forest fires.
YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Firefighters from several agencies in York County were dispatched to Horry County, South Carolina, on Sunday to assist crews battling the Carolina Forest wildfires near Myrtle Beach.
York County Emergency Management said firefighters from York County Fire, Bethesda and Hickory Grove left on Sunday to help fight the massive fires.
Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday to support the wildfire response effort, and a statewide burning ban remained in effect.
Crews worked to contain a fire in the Carolina Forest area west of the coastal resort city of Myrtle Beach, where residents were ordered to evacuate several neighborhoods, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. The agency said a heavy, low-hanging smoke is expected to blanket the area on Monday.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission confirmed Sunday night that the fire was 30% contained and had burned around 1,600 acres. A spokesperson for the South Carolina Forestry Commission told WMBF News that those numbers remain the same as of Monday morning.
For those who need crisis counseling around the wildfires, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is sponsoring a Disaster Distress Helpline available 24/7 to those experiencing a traumatic event or disaster. Counselors are trained to offer support to those who need it. Just call 1-800-985-5889 or visit its website.
