Will SC woman accused of starting Myrtle Beach area wildfire face harsher charges?
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South Carolina Wildfires
Wildfires impacted more than 1,600 acres in the Myrtle Beach area, with flames burning within a few feet of homes in communities close to Carolina Forest.
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The woman arrested for allegedly starting the more than 2,000-acre Covington Drive wildfire in Carolina Forest is not expected to face additional charges.
Alexandra Anna Bialousow currently faces two misdemeanor charges for the Myrtle Beach area fire that caused mass evacuations in several neighborhoods, including her own, and damaged homes and property.
No homes were destroyed in the fire, and there were no injuries, but the fire is expected to rack up a healthy price tag for damages and state and county resources to battle the blaze.
Bialousow, who lives on Covington Drive, was arrested on March 6 for negligently allowing the fire to spread and for not taking the proper precautions, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The 40-year-old allegedly started a fire March 1 in a backyard fire pit near the tree line that spread into the 2,059 acre wildfire.
The Sun News attempted to speak with Bialousow but did not hear back before publication.
Hundreds of firefighters and forestry personnel from over 30 agencies were brought in to fight the fire that has not been fully contained over a week after it started, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. It’s not yet known how much the wildfire will cost state and local governments, said Justin Holt with the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
For the misdemeanors, the state can fine Bialousow up to $200 or sentence her to 30 days in jail per charge. She will likely not deal with more serious charges, such as arson, Holt said.
According to South Carolina law, arson occurs when someone willfully and maliciously starts a fire to cause damage.
Bialousow is accused of starting the fire during a burn ban in Horry County and did not have the proper equipment, such as hoses and gardening tools, to put out the fire and it spread onto the nearby Walkers Woods Home Owners Association property. This became the Covington Drive wildfire that forced neighborhoods to evacuate and damaged people’s homes.
The Walkers Woods HOA did not respond to The Sun News request for an interview.
As of March 11, the fire is 60% contained, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
While Bialousow will not face harsh penalties, people who commit similar crimes in the future might.
State Rep. Tim McGinnis said he is looking to increase the fines and jail times for violating burn laws and ban the use of fire pits during burn bans. He plans to file a bill in the South Carolina House of Representatives next week.
“We need different laws, different penalties, so people will think twice before they (burn),” McGinnis said. “I can tell you it’ll be an increased fine and increased jail time, and it will be dramatic.”
McGinnis said he also wants to increase public awareness when burn bans are in place. This could be done by giving money to the South Carolina Forestry Commission and local fire departments for education. He wants HOAs to put up signs when a burn ban is in place.
FEMA will pay South Carolina for up to 75% of the costs associated with fighting the fire, according to a release from the government agency. Fire Management Assistance Grants will be sent to local governments to cover money spent on efforts such as field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
Bialousow spent a day at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center before being released on $15,000 personal recognizance bonds. This means she did not have to pay a bond before being released from jail. However, if she doesn’t show up to trial, she could owe the state $15,000, said 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson.
“If a person is a low risk for running away or being a danger to the community, and usually on smaller charges, you usually see personal recognizance bonds,” Richardson said.
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