Evacuations ordered as 175 wildfires erupt across South and North Carolina

Firefighters were battling 175 wildfires that erupted across South and North Carolina overnight amid windy and dry conditions, threatening homes and prompting evacuations, authorities said.

There are ongoing response operations to the sprawling wildfires that had burned a combined 4,200 acres across the state as of Sunday -- including blazes burning in Horry, Spartanburg, Oconee, Union and Pickens counties, the South Carolina State Fire Marshal said Sunday. ABC news reported.

One of the biggest wildfires raging Sunday morning was threatening residents in the Carolina Forest near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Horry County, officials said. The quick-spreading fire had burned more than 1,600 acres by the end of the day and was threatening the communities of Walkers Woods and Avalon, according to the South Carolina Forest Commission.

The fire was 30% contained as of Sunday afternoon, according to fire officials, and the evacuation order was lifted later that evening.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission posted an update on X just after 7 p.m. local time saying, "UPDATE: All areas previously evacuated due to Carolina Forest fire are now able to return, per Horry County Fire Rescue.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster had issued an executive order on Sunday declaring a state of emergency to support ongoing response to wildfires ravaging his state. The order enhances ongoing emergency response efforts as firefighters work to contain the wildfires affecting various regions.

"This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need," McMaster said in a statement.

McMaster announced that a statewide burning ban was in effect as of Saturday.

"That means you can and will go to jail for starting a fire outdoors in South Carolina, period," McMaster said in a social media post on Saturday night.

On Sunday, McMaster added, "Dangerous wildfire conditions require that a statewide burning ban remain in effect until further notice."