Authorities are evacuating people after a large wildfire spread through the Carolinas over the weekend. Photo courtesy of Horry County Fire Rescue

March 2 (UPI) — Wind-whipped wildfires have prompted evacuations of people in the Carolinas as at least 170 fast-moving blazes have scorched more than 4,200 acres of tinder-dry vegetation, threatening homes and businesses Sunday.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency, clearing the way for state resources to help those affected by the fires. A statewide burn ban is in effect through at least Sunday, he said.

“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 said in a release.

“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.”

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A 500-acre brush fire was threatening small communities in the Blue Ridge mountains 40 miles south of Asheville and was zero percent contained on Sunday, state officials said.

A large swath of the United States has been under a Red Flag warning, which indicates extreme fire conditions. While the warning expired in most areas Saturday night, conditions are still right for wildfires to erupt and spread quickly.

Crews in Georgia had responded to at least 137 fires on Saturday. State officials said conditions were slightly better Sunday, but warned residents to be extremely careful to avoid behavior that could spark new blazes as low humidity, low rainfall and a clear sky combine to make conditions favorable for rogue wildfires.

Much of the region has seen low moisture totals already this year. In North Carolina for instance, Myrtle Beach has only received 2 and ⅓ inches of rain since the first of the year, compared with the normal 6 and ⅓ which is normal for this time of year.