Three Carolina Forest neighborhoods hit hard by wildfires. Mapping shows fires at 2K+ acres

Three Carolina Forest neighborhoods seem to be the target of wildfires that continue to burn Monday in the Myrtle Beach area.

The east side of Carolina Forest Boulevard, which includes the neighborhoods of Avalon, Waterbridge and Walkers Woods, is where much of the fire is currently concentrated, according to Horry County spokesperson Thom Bell.

Bell said that the area has thick brush and vegetation causing the fire to smolder once it has been extinguished.

Updated mapping on Monday shows that the wildfires cover 2,059 acres, according to Russell Hubright with the Forestry Commission. Hubright said that there has been a small amount of growth in the fires, but the acreage change comes after a more accurate mapping of the area.

The wildfire is estimated to be 30% contained, according to The South Carolina Forestry Commission. “We’re hoping for more progress tomorrow,” Hubright said Monday night.

Firefighters responded to flareups throughout the day Monday, and heavy, low-hanging smoke has blanketed the area as well as ash. An air quality alert was sent out for Horry County.

Forestry crews are focusing their attention on the Covington Drive neighborhood, using bulldozers to dig perimeter lines around the wildfire, Hubright said.

The biggest issue is that because of the soil type in the area – which includes layers of peat and vegetative material – tractors continue to sink, causing delays and issues, Hubright said.

Officials are hopeful that changing weather conditions, including decreasing winds and possible rain this week, will help with the fires. “I wouldn’t say we’re in the clear yet,” Horry County spokesperson Mikayla Moskov said.

Officials said they don’t expect any additional evacuations, but residents are being told to stay aware and be ready to evacuate if needed.

Horry County officials are asking people to avoid the general area of Carolina Forest Boulevard as public safety apparatus is on the move along the roadway responding to fires in neighborhoods. International Drive remains closed and motorists are being told to use alternate routes.

Horry County Schools maintained a normal schedule Monday morning.

Residents in Carolina Forest neighborhoods who were evacuated were allowed to return home Sunday evening but were told to be aware of hot spots and potential flare ups.

As of this time, no structures have succumbed to the wildfire, and no injuries are reported.

The American Red Cross shelter at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center is now closed, according to Horry County officials. The facility will be utilized for wildfire response operations for public safety agencies.

A burn ban has been in place in Horry County since Thursday as dry and windy conditions persist.

Horry County Fire Rescue is doing both flying reconnaissance with drones, as well as on-site visual reconnaissance from supervisors to aid in response strategy.

“We realize these operations are affecting the normal flow of life in Horry County, and we appreciate the public’s understanding and trust in our teams to make sure everyone stays safe,” according to an email from Horry County officials.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a burn ban on Saturday for all counties across the state until further notice. At least 102 wildfires were reported across the state on Saturday.

More than 400 personnel from 30 different departments across the state have responded to the wildfires which began Saturday afternoon.

Blackhawk helicopters and planes began dropping water Sunday in neighborhoods to attempt to extinguish the fires. There are two additional helicopter resources assisting in dropping water on Monday, according to Horry County officials.

Hubright said that two Blackhawk and one Chinook helicopters, as well as two planes, will continue to drop water on the wildfires Tuesday. Each bucket can contain between 600 to 800 gallons of water.

Flightradar24 shows planes dropping water on the fire have concentrated on an area east of Waterford Plantation and a second area northwest of Walker Woods.

This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM.

Terri Richardson

The Sun News