State of emergency declared as wildfires rage across Carolinas

(Web Desk): Firefighters in North and South Carolina worked to control several wildfires over the weekend as dry, windy weather made conditions dangerous.

South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday as fires continued to spread. Officials had already announced a statewide burn ban, which will remain in place for the foreseeable future due to the dangerous conditions.

One major fire, the Carolina Forest Fire near Myrtle Beach, has burned about 1,600 acres. By Sunday evening, the fire was 30% contained, and people who had evacuated were allowed to return home.

In North Carolina, evacuation orders were also issued for the 176 Fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains. By Sunday evening, it had burned over 500 acres and was 30% contained. Evacuations were expected to continue, with a decision on lifting the orders set for Monday.

The National Weather Service warned that the dry, windy conditions were making the fires spread quickly. Fire weather concerns were also reported in eastern New Mexico and western Texas, where strong winds and dry conditions created further risks.