Wildfires Rage in the Carolinas—Evacuations Ordered as Flames Rapidly Spread [WATCH]

Brush fires broke out across North Carolina and South Carolina on Saturday, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders as firefighters worked to contain the rapidly spreading flames.

In Polk County, North Carolina, a fire burned at least 400 acres with zero containment as of late Saturday night, according to the North Carolina Fire Service.

Officials warned that structures could be at risk, and an assessment of potential damage was scheduled for Sunday morning.

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Authorities urged residents along U.S. Highway 176 between the towns of Tryon and Saluda to evacuate as the fire spread.

The Polk County government issued a statement on Facebook emphasizing the fire’s rapid growth and the need for immediate action.

Tryon and Saluda are located approximately 40 miles south of Asheville, an area currently experiencing dry and windy conditions that have contributed to the fire’s intensity.

To assist displaced residents, the county opened a shelter at the Polk County Meeting Place in Columbus.

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In South Carolina, a wildfire in Horry County led to the evacuation of multiple neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area, about 10 miles west of Myrtle Beach.

As of 10 a.m., 52 people are checked into the Red Cross Shelter at the Carolina Forest Rec Center. Horry County Fire Rescue says evacuations for 8 neighborhoods remain, planes are dropping water & 30 agencies are supporting this firefighting response. https://t.co/p0bedbfjAx pic.twitter.com/CdNdXsOpQ1

— Simon Williams (@SimonWPDE) March 2, 2025

Horry County Fire Rescue reported that crews were actively working to control the blaze.

“Crews are continuing to work a large wildfire near Carolina Forest,” Horry County Fire Rescue stated on Facebook. “Horry County is monitoring the weather forecast and preparing to adjust course in our life safety and property protection plan should conditions evolve.”

8:37 am – this is the most insane video I’ve seen of the wildfire yet. It was raging near Wyandot Ct. in The Reserve at Walkers Woods early this morning. Heroic firefighters were able to suppress the fire and save all of these homes. Video via Greg Staff. pic.twitter.com/nqkJxVHZXW

— Ed Piotrowski (@EdPiotrowski) March 2, 2025

Firefighters were set to receive additional aerial support on Sunday morning, with two planes and a Blackhawk helicopter scheduled to drop water on the fire.

State Rep. Tim McGinnis (R-SC) provided an update on Facebook, citing information from State Forester Scott Phillips. Tractors were also being deployed to create containment lines around the fire.

As firefighters worked to gain control of multiple wildfires across South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster (R) issued a statewide burning ban due to the extreme fire risk.

McMaster warned that anyone who starts a fire in the state will face jail time, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Fire officials have been stretched thin as they respond to multiple wildfires amid dry conditions and high winds.

A red flag warning was in effect for much of western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina throughout Saturday, indicating critical fire weather conditions.

The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, expired late Saturday night, but officials continue to monitor the situation closely as dry conditions persist.

Authorities have not yet determined the causes of the fires, but ongoing weather conditions have heightened the risk of wildfires across the region.

Fire crews remain on high alert as they work to protect homes and contain the flames.

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