Firefighters in Carolinas make gains against fires but parts of US still at risk
Firefighters in the Carolinas made gains against blazes that erupted over the weekend as weather officials on Monday warned of a storm causing "extremely critical fire conditions" in the central U.S.
Over 175 wind-fueled brush fires broke out in the Carolinas and burned over 6.5 square miles of land, prompting authorities to evacuate residents and open emergency shelters. By Sunday night, fire officials said they had gained momentum in extinguishing the blazes as winds slowed.
The largest of the blazes, the Covington Lane Fire, torched 1,600 acres in Carolina Forest, South Carolina, a small community west of Myrtle Beach. The fire department in Horry County announced Sunday that residents who were evacuated in over a half dozen neighborhoods were being allowed back into their homes. The fire was 30% contained, according to the latest update from local officials.
An evacuation order was still in place Monday in Polk County, North Carolina, where firefighters were establishing containment lines around a nearly 600-acre blaze about 40 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina. Polk County Emergency Management said the fire was 63% contained Monday evening and crews were "protecting homes in the area."
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a state of emergency on Sunday to unlock funds and resources for the wildfire response and recovery effort. A statewide ban on outdoor burning remains in effect.
Wildfires rage across the Carolinas: South Carolina governor issues state of emergency
Hurricane force winds forecast in bone-dry Plains, Southwest regions
As fire officials grappled with the remaining blazes in the Carolinas, forecasters warned about high winds, low humidity and relentless drought conditions that could quickly spread wildfires throughout the central U.S., including states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Kansas.
One of the main factors raising fire risk in the Plains and Southwest is a major storm bringing winds of at least 40 mph to over a dozen states, according to AccuWeather, which says hurricane wind speeds up to 90 mph are possible in some areas.
"The winds in association with the storm can become strong enough to cause widespread travel disruptions," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco in an online forecast. "They also can knock over trees and bring down power lines across the eastern two-thirds of the nation through Wednesday night."
Moreover, vast swaths of the region suffers from moderate to severe drought conditions, making it all the more susceptible to explosive wildfire growth.
Texas governor directs resources to potential wildfire areas
The Texas Division of Emergency Management is deploying resources to swathes of the state in anticipation of potential fast-moving wildfires, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday.
“West Texans are strongly urged to limit any activities that may cause sparks or flames as dry conditions and sustained winds persist," Abbott said.
State authorities will also deploy over 200 firefighters and 20 federally-contracted firefighting aircraft, according to the governor's office. Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters from the Texas National Guard will be among the firefighting aircraft deployed.
Abbott's directive comes as the Texas A&M Forest Service has elevated the state's wildfire preparedness to level 3 on a scale of 5. Level 3 indicates that wildfire activities are impacting areas throughout the state.
Areas at risk of fast-moving wildfires due to drought include the Panhandle, South Plains, Concho Valley, Big Country, Permian Basin, Far West, and Hill Country, as well as portions of North, Central, and South Texas, authorities said.
Abbott urged people in North and East Texas to follow the guidance of local authorities ahead of potential severe storms that could bring tornados, hail, and flash floods.
Wildfire smoke near Myrtle Beach causes 'difficult travel conditions'
The Horry County Fire Rescue said in a statement Monday that the wildfire burning in Carolina Forest is producing a "heavy, low-hanging smoke" that's blanketing the area.
"This will limit some visibility for motorists and residents," the department said in a statement, urging people not to drive near the fire because of low visibility and ongoing firefighting efforts.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington also warned about the heavy smoke, writing, "Smoke will lead to slow and difficult travel in the Myrtle Beach area this morning. Slow down and allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you!"
How to stay safe from wildfire smoke
Anyone in areas where smoke is visible or it can be smelled in the air should limit their time outdoors. Avoid any physical exertion, including indoors, officials said.
Even in areas where you can't see or smell smoke, those at high risk should stay inside. That includes children, pregnant people, older adults, and anyone with underlying conditions such as asthma or heart and lung conditions.
While inside, keep windows and doors shut to prevent smoky air from getting inside, and use HEPA air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. Only run air conditioning if it does not draw in air from outdoors. Make sure you check and replace filters if needed; MERV 13 and higher filters are recommended for smoke.
If you must go outside, you should wear a high-quality, well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator mask to protect yourself. Do not do strenuous physical activity while outdoors and keep time outside short.
– Jeanine Santucci
Wildfire smoke safety tips: How to keep you, your family and beloved pets safe
North Carolina wildfires map
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Firefighters in Carolinas make gains as fire risks remain across US