Crews continue to make progress in containing the Covington Drive fire in Myrtle Beach, which began in a residential fire pit on March 1. According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the fire that covered 2,059 acres is now 80% contained.
The SCFC says mastication crews have made forward progress around the southern perimeter of the fire, establishing defensible space between houses and smoldering areas.
This Thursday, firefighters will continue mop-up efforts, locating hot spots within the containment line, while masticators proceed with the chipping operation. Meantime, the SCFC will resume command of the fire from the Florida Forest Service Complex Incident Management Team and will remain on-site until mastication work is complete, monitoring the fire until they’re confident it’s securely contained within the firebreaks with no threat of escape.
Air quality in the area is good today, allowing for normal outdoor activities, but SCFC cautions that those who are very sensitive to smoke should consider reducing outdoor activities. However, the agency has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately until further notice. The Commission plans to reevaluate conditions Sunday. The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire.
A cold front moving across the state today will usher in low relative humidities throughout the weekend, accompanied by sustained periods of gusty winds.
While a Red Flag Fire Alert doesn't prohibit outdoor burning, residents are strongly encouraged to postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted.
SCFC firefighters responded to 280 wildfires in February alone, which is above the five-year average for the second month of the year. The agency has already recorded 277 wildfires in March.
