HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — As of Sunday morning, the 1200-acre fire in Carolina Forest is wreaking havoc on the community, causing evacuations for many.
The size of this fire doubled from 600 acres last night.
There is no containment as of now.
Due to smoke, visibility on roads near Carolina Forest is low, and Horry County Fire Rescue said to use caution when driving.
Officials said the smoke may cause irritation, so limit exposure if it bothers you.
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EVACUATIONS
As of 6:12 a.m. on Sunday, public safety personnel had evacuated: Blackberry Lane from the intersections of Spring Lake Drive including Pennyroyal Ct., Alyssum Ct., Bluebonnet Ct., as well as Harvest Drive from Moonbeam Ct. to Tidelands Ct. in the Spring Lake community in Carolina Forest due to the ongoing wildfire and structures threatened.
Officials evacuated the Reserve area of the Walkers Woods neighborhood and the Avalon neighborhood of Carolina Forest due to active wildfires, according to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR).
County police and fire crews have issued another evacuation order for Covington Drive from Summerhill Drive to the community center in the Covington Lakes neighborhood of Carolina Forest. This order was issued around 4:45 a.m. due to the ongoing changes in the wind patterns impacting the wildfire.
Overnight, Horry County officials issued new evacuations at 3:15 a.m. Those include homes along Arrow Wood Court, Indianola Court, and Tuckahoe Road in the Walkers Woods neighborhood.
As of 11:57 p.m. on Saturday, evacuations are in place for the Indigo Bay, the Farm, and the Summerlyn neighborhoods of Carolina Forest.
As of 7:30 p.m., residents of Tuckahoe Road and Wyandot Court can return home, but much of the remainder of Walkers Woods and Avalon remains evacuated.
As of 9:30 p.m., the fire is actively burning behind the Avalon neighborhood and extends across a wide expanse of non-residential land toward Highway 90 and International Drive. HCFR reported the fire was roughly behind Birnamwood Court, saying these areas were of the highest concern for potential evacuations “if weather and fire conditions evolve.”
Horry County officials say they don’t have a “firm” number of people under an evacuation order.
Areas near Carolina Forest that have not been evacuated should remain cautious at this time.
You can sign up for Code Red Alerts here from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
Bellegrove residents are not currently in the evacuation order; however, given the proximity, HCFR encourages residents – and all residents in Carolina Forest – to prepare as if you will evacuate and heed all directives from public safety personnel.
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WHERE TO GO
Evacuees can head to the Carolina Forest Recreation Center at 2254 Carolina Forest Boulevard. The shelter has been in place since yesterday afternoon with cots, food, and more to serve those who are displaced.
As of 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, 108 people were in the shelter.
VCA Palmetto Animal Hospital is open for anyone needing to board their pets. To board your pet with the hospital, call 843-903-1900.
Home of the Hand Car Wash is offering space for those who may need to park their cars during the evacuations. Reach out to Dean directly at 845-801-3882.
Vacation Myrtle Beach, a local hotel group, is offering discounted stays to residents displaced by the fires in Carolina Forest March 1 through March 6.
Rising Tides Properties is also offering a special discounted rate for those displaced and in need of a temporary place to stay.
ABC15 is working for you on the latest updates from this situation.
