MYRTLE BEACH MASSIVE FIRE BURNING EXPLOSION : 4 teenager have just been found dead in a massive burning farmland community mourns…
MYRTLE BEACH MASSIVE FIRE BURNING EXPLOSION : 4 teenager have just been found dead in a massive burning farmland community mourns…
four teenagers last week tripled in size since Monday and burned through mountains in just days.
The fire started around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 21, at Table Rock State Park in Pickens County. Officials reported the fire grew to over 1,300 acres by Sunday, March 23.
By the end of the day on Tuesday, March 25, the fire “expanded greatly” and burned through the southern slopes of Rocky and Buzzard Mountains, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
As of this writing, more than 2,300 acres were burned and the fire was 0% contained.
On Tuesday night (March 25) Greenville Water posted a video from Table Rock Reservoir showing the massive fire burning throughout the park.
“So many people have spent days fighting this fire, pouring every ounce of energy and time they have to try to beat this unimaginable blaze,” a spokesperson wrote. “Unfortunately, at this time, it remains 0% contained.”
Beginning of fire
According to deputies, the four teenagers’ “negligent act” sparked the blaze while they were hiking. All four are reportedly facing charges.
Deputies said a crew searching for Stephanie Womacks, a missing camper in the park, reported the fire to authorities during the afternoon hours of Friday, March 21.
The next day, a search party for Womacks was canceled due to the fire.
When the fire began, authorities and hikers in the area were trapped and narrowly escaped, officials said.
Evacuations
Officials issued immediate evacuations for Greenville and Pickens County residents at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26.
The commission posted updates for those impacted and will be the best source for updated evacuation information. For more, click here.
S.C. State Parks announced all trails were closed as crews worked to contain the fire.
As of this writing, there were no reports of injuries or structure damage.
State of emergency
On Saturday, March 22, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency to ensure firefighters have the resources to combat the Table Rock Fire.
A statewide burn ban was also ordered, meaning all outdoor burning is prohibited.
“Anyone who violates this ban can and will go to jail,” McMaster wrote.
