By Ben Rappaport
Officials are urging caution in much of southeastern North Carolina as wildfires remain a risk during windy conditions.
Wildfires have been burning in the region since last week. More than 200 acres burned in the Evergreen community in Columbus County, and other fires broke out near a sawmill in Riegelwood. Robeson County has seen 15 wildfires that burned more than 220 acres over the weekend. No one was injured, and residents were not asked to leave their homes.
The blazes, most of which are now contained, are part of a string of wildfires plaguing the Carolinas. More than 240 wildfires have broken out in North Carolina and South Carolina since Feb. 26, forcing 5,000 residents to evacuate, media outlets reported. More than 5,200 acres have burned near the state line in South Carolina, including more than 2,000 acres in Horry County, which borders Columbus County, according to the South Carolina State Fire Marshal.
Two wildfires in central Robeson County near Pembroke were still burning as of Monday morning, according to the N.C. Forest Service dashboard. The fires have destroyed about 22 acres; both were 95% contained as of 7:00 a.m. Monday, the last time the dashboard was updated.
Fires can be common in the region this time of year as many people burn leaves and debris. Southeastern North Carolina counties are not under a burn ban, but officials say there is still a high risk of wildfires and urge caution before residents conduct burns.
“We still have some high risks because of the dry weather and high winds,” Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman said. “We need people to continue to be careful where and when they’re burning.”
Drought has also been a significant driver of the fires. The region averages about 6.7 inches of rainfall in January and February, but this year, it’s gotten just 3.7 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
There may be some reprieve, however, as showers are expected to bring between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties on Wednesday and Saturday, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.
On Wednesday, all of southeastern North Carolina was under a severe weather alert and tornado watch. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph and thunderstorms were expected to sweep across the region. Schools closed in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties, and Robeson County schools moved to a half-day schedule.
The wet weather may temporarily suppress fire risks, but it won’t end the drought, according to Chris Cawley, a meteorologist in Columbus County.
“This will be a very beneficial rainfall with regard to the wildfire conditions and will help dampen the top soil layer and the vegetation,” Cawley told the Border Belt Independent on Wednesday. “Unfortunately, it’s a quick hit.”
Cawley and local fire marshals urged continued caution about fire risks because of expected continued dry conditions after the storm passes through Wednesday evening.
“The combination of dry fuels, limited rainfall, and very low humidity will lead to an elevated risk of adverse fire behavior today,” the National Weather Service in Wilmington said in a statement on Monday. “Across NC, people are urged to avoid outdoor burning today. If you must burn, use extreme caution since fires can grow quickly and become dangerous in these conditions.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a state of emergency and ordered a statewide burn ban on Sunday. The largest fire in the state was in Carolina Forest in Horry County, about 25 miles from the state line. The fire has burned more than 2,000 acres and was 30% contained as of Tuesday evening, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Officials said getting the fire 100% contained could take several days. South Carolina is expected to see wind gusts of 20-25 mph on Wednesday, which could provide challenges to first responders trying to contain the fire.
The fire may affect residents in North Carolina, as heavy smoke is causing air quality warnings and visibility issues.
