A gust of wind and dry conditions broke out in North Carolina and South Carolina on Saturday, prompting authorities to order evacuation in several communities.
The fire was ignited when most of the southeastern United States warned, and the National Weather Service alert indicated that the fire risk was high. Most of these warnings expire on Saturday night, and as the wind eases, fire risk is expected to decrease overnight.
A brush on the hill threatens Tryon and Saluda, a small community in the Blue Ridge Mountains about 40 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina on Saturday afternoon
Polk County officials said multiple fire departments are responding to the fire that threatened Talon, which was evacuated. The population of Tryon is about 1,500, while Saluda is less than 1,000.
The county said on social media that Tryon Brush Fire is spreading rapidly.
Brushes along the South Carolina coast are threatening the Carolina forest west of Myrtle Beach. The fire was 75% as of the early hours of Saturday, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
“Securities are continuing to work to control the fire,” said on social media Saturday night. Several communities in the Carolina Forest were under evacuation orders.
Another fire broke out six miles from the rural town about 30 miles west of Greenville. County officials there recommended evacuation along several streets, but as of Saturday night, no order has been ordered.
In the low 70s, gusts, dry air and afternoon high temperatures helped spread rapidly.
Another factor: South Carolina has unusually low rainfall in February and dry vegetation. For example, since January 1, Myrtle Beach has seen 2.30 inches of rain, while it is 6.30 inches, which is normal this time of year. North Carolina was a little wet last month, although rainfall was also below average.
Claire Fahy Contribution report.
