Sanford thanks Pee Dee firefighters for Highway 31 Fire efforts

Gov. Mark Sanford praised South Carolina firefighters for their efforts during the wildfires in Horry County.

The fires, which were 100 percent contained earlier this week, caused $25 million in damage and destroyed 76 homes.

The governor praised Pee Dee fire departments in a statement:

“On behalf of the people of South Carolina, I wanted to write and thank all the members of the Florence City, South Lynches, Windy Hill, Darlington County, Marion City, and Darlington City fire departments. When the recent wildfire broke out in Myrtle Beach, these men and women were the first to respond, performing their task with skill and courage, and earning the admiration of many from Horry County,“ said Sanford, who is scheduled to speak this afternoon to a Florence Kiwanis Club.

“In short, our firefighters walk the walk, and on behalf of the people of our state I just wanted to say thank youu—not only for the personnel, equipment, and long hours of hard work, but simply for doing what you do.“