Agencies to monitor wildfire threat during holiday weekend

CONWAY - With hot, dry weather forecast for the Independence Day weekend, Horry County Fire Rescue, North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue, and the South Carolina Forestry Commission plan to closely monitor wildfire activity in Horry County and stand ready to respond.

According to news release from Horry County Fire Rescue, wildfire occurrence is normally higher during holiday periods, when picnics, cookouts, and other recreational activities bring people outdoors.

The agencies are encouraging caution as holiday celebrations begin, particularly where urban areas are in close proximity to forests, brush, and grass fuels that can ignite easily, the release said.

Due to high winds, high temperatures, and low humidity, several new wildfires and “reburning” of some fuels inside the perimeter of the Highway 31 Fire occurred this week. Personnel from Horry County, North Myrtle Beach, and the Forestry Commission are monitoring the area using aircraft and firefighters on the ground to identify and address hot spots.  Several crews have been working throughout the week installing and reinforcing fire breaks and eliminating fuels where possible to ensure these fires do not increase in size.

Residents should expect to see smoke, heavy equipment and air support in the area. This does not indicate any immediate threat, only that these agencies are continuing to work together to keep wildfires from spoiling the Independence Day weekend for Horry County residents. Should the fire increase and become a concern, fire officials will notify the public through local media as to what they could expect, the release said.