A raging wildfire in the South Carolina mountains has doubled daily for three days, but it has been held at bay from homes and buildings by firefighters.
Firefighters who are trying to contain the Table Rock Mountain fire have tried to save lives and property and have cut firebreaks in an effort to guide the flames northward onto uninhabited ridges just across the state line from North Carolina. There have been no reported injuries.
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Aerial firefighting crews have made over 550 water drops on the Table Rock fire and a second fire at Persimmon Ridge, some eight miles (13 km) distant. But officials report that the dry weather, gusty winds, and low humidity have made containment very difficult.
With the conditions that are present now the dryness of the fuel, the very low humidity, and the high winds containment is extremely, extremely challenging,” Phillips, a fire official, said. The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires have burned approximately 17 square miles (44 square kilometers). The Table Rock fire started a week ago and has grown rapidly since Tuesday because of poor weather conditions.
In North Carolina, meanwhile, at least eight wildfires are still burning in the mountains. The biggest, the Black Cove and Deep Woods fires in Polk County, have charred approximately 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) but have indicated signs of containment.
The officials blame the intensity of this wildfire season on extended drought and the leftovers of Hurricane Helene, which knocked down millions of trees, leaving behind excess fuel and hindering firefighting efforts.
A state burn ban is still in place, and Gov Henry McMaster threatened legal action against violators. Although light rain is forecasted for the weekend, authorities are still on edge, preparing for a long, hot wildfire season.
