‘Active wildfire season ahead.’ What to know after Horry County’s dry winter

Carolina Forest’s most recent wildfire spanning nearly 30 acres is 100% contained, but experts say this likely won’t be the last one of the season.

“Everything we’re seeing indicates a busy, active wildfire season ahead,” said Horry County Fire Rescue spokesperson Tony Casey.

Horry County had the 19th dryest January over the last 132 years, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System, seeing nearly two inches of rain less than normal. Wildfire season lasts until vegetation “greens up,” normally after April when more rain events occur.

Wildfires typically occur during South Carolina’s late winter and early spring when vegetation is usually dead or dormant. While there is not a uniform reporting system in South Carolina, it’s frequently escaped debris piles that turn to larger fire incidents, Casey said.

What to know before burning in Horry County, SC

Last March, a 95-day wildfire burned in the Carolina Forest area — the longest wildfire on record in the state, according to South Carolina Forestry Commission. A woman was accused of starting a backyard fire pit without proper precautions.

Casey said residents should always check the weather for windy or dry conditions before burning. The South Carolina Forestry Commission should be alerted before open-air burning. Horry County’s number is 1-800-986-5404.

Horry County has an open burning guide, and updates of when bans are in effect can be accessed here. Active wildfires and controlled burns are reported and monitored.

“People being good neighbors to each other, who follow the law and don’t burn in an unsafe manner will be doing already-busy Horry County Fire Rescue crews a favor, helping to avoid the next large wildfire,” Casey said.