Firefighters engaged in combating the Table Rock Mountain fire are focusing on protecting lives and property by creating fire breaks that direct the flames northward through uninhabited areas on the Pickens County ridges adjacent to the North Carolina state line.
In the last three days, a significant wildfire in the South Carolina mountains has expanded in size each day, yet firefighting teams have effectively prevented it from reaching residential areas and other structures.
Firefighters engaged in combating the Table Rock Mountain fire have focused on protecting lives and property by creating fire breaks and directing the flames northward through uninhabited ridges adjacent to the North Carolina border. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries.
Aerial support has performed over 550 water drops on both the Table Rock fire and another fire at Persimmon Ridge, located approximately 8 miles (13 km) away. However, officials indicate that containment efforts are currently defensive, as crews are waiting for more favorable weather conditions, such as rain or reduced winds, to assist in controlling the fire.
“Given the current fire conditions in the state — including the dryness of the fuel, extremely low humidity, and high winds — achieving containment is exceedingly challenging,” stated Phillips.
The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires have collectively burned around 17 square miles (44 square kilometers). The Table Rock fire ignited a week ago and has been doubling in size since Tuesday due to the windy and dry conditions affecting the mountains.
In North Carolina, at least eight fires are active in the mountainous regions. The largest, the Black Cove Fire and the Deep Woods Fire in Polk County, are becoming more contained, having scorched approximately 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) combined, with minimal growth observed late this week.
While these fires have garnered significant attention, the wildfire season has been notably active, exacerbated by a drought and the impact of Hurricane Helene six months ago, which resulted in the downfall of millions of trees. These fallen trees serve as fuel and hinder firefighters’ access to the blazes.
“This will remain a persistent issue for the coming years, fundamentally altering our approach to fighting fires in the South Carolina mountains,” Phillips remarked.
Firefighters, in collaboration with the state Forestry Commission, have battled 373 wildfires in South Carolina during March, which have scorched over 28 square miles (73 square kilometers).
“This is significantly higher than our usual monthly figures, and it even surpasses the total acreage burned in some years,” stated Phillips.
April is generally recognized as the peak month for wildfires, and long-term forecasts suggest little change in conditions.
“This is going to be an extended season for us,” Phillips added.
A ban on outdoor burning has been enforced in South Carolina for over a week, with officials not indicating when it might be lifted.
Governor Henry McMaster cautioned that violating the burn ban could result in imprisonment, and that negligence in starting a fire could lead to liability for any resulting damage.
“If you start a fire that destroys your neighbor’s home, you are responsible for replacing it,” McMaster remarked.
Weather predictions for the upcoming weekend offer some hope, with calm winds expected overnight and rain anticipated on Sunday and Monday, although the National Weather Service does not foresee the heavy rainfall that firefighters desire.
“We will extinguish these fires,” McMaster assured. “We are optimistic about the rain and the assistance it will bring. Please keep this in your thoughts and prayers.”
