South Carolina issues state of emergency as wildfires burn across Carolinas

Firefighters in North and South Carolina battled dozens of wildfires over the weekend, with dry and windy conditions prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders and declare a state of emergency.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared the state of emergency on Sunday as wildfires continued to rage across the state.

Officials had previously declared a statewide burn ban, which McMaster confirmed would remain in effect indefinitely due to the critical fire weather conditions.

One of the most significant fires, the Carolina Forest Fire near Myrtle Beach, S.C., has scorched around 1,600 acres. By Sunday evening, the fire was 30% contained, and residents were allowed to return home.

In North Carolina, officials also issued evacuation orders in response to the 176 Fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The fire had burned over 500 acres by Sunday evening and was also 30% contained. Evacuations were expected to continue, with a decision on lifting orders scheduled for Monday.

The National Weather Service warned that the dry, windy conditions were contributing to critical fire weather across the region.

Fire weather concerns were also reported across eastern New Mexico and far western Texas, where the NWS issued further warnings for gusty winds coupled with dry conditions.