Firefighters are actively working to control the blazes, NBC News reported.
A video shared on social media captured an orange sky as a wildfire raged through Carolina Forest in the Myrtle Beach area. Another video showed smoke and debris filling the air from a fire burning in a backyard in the nearby Red Hill area.
McMaster said that more than 175 wildfires are currently burning across South Carolina in several counties including Horry, Spartanburg, Union, Oconee and Pickens, affecting a total of 4,200 acres.
"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 noted 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," he added.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission said that Horry County is receiving assistance from state partners, including aircraft to drop water on the fires.
Around 410 personnel and at least 128 fire apparatuses are involved in the response. Evacuations have been carried out in eight neighborhoods, and approximately 135 residents are taking shelter at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center in Horry County, according to the Red Cross of South Carolina.
“Personnel will continue to staff this incident until the fire is contained,” said the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
No injuries or structural damage have been reported so far, according to officials. A video captured from a plane provided a bird's-eye view of one of the fires.
Evacuations have been ordered for several neighborhoods in the Myrtle Beach area including Spring Lake, Waterford and Avalon and will remain in effect due to ongoing fire and weather conditions.
The commission is urging residents to evacuate promptly if instructed.
"Folks traveling in the Carolina Forest area are asked to use caution as smoke may reduce visibility, particularly after dark,” the commission warned.
A statewide burning ban was also implemented on Saturday.
"A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning and campfires in all unincorporated areas of the state,” the South Carolina Forestry Commission said on X.
AzVision.az
More about: UnitedStates SouthCarolina wildfire
