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More than a hundred wildfires have broken out across the Carolinas over the weekend, leading to a state of emergency in South Carolina, where the majority of the fires are situated.
The vast majority of the wildfires in South Carolina began on Saturday, with a handful more starting on Sunday morning, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
One of the largest fires in South Carolina, about five miles north of Myrtle Beach, doubled in size overnight, covering an area of 1,200 acres. On Sunday, the fire was 0 percent contained.
Another large wildfire broke out south of Myrtle Beach, covering around 800 acres. Fire crews were able to gain control of the blaze and residents were allowed to return after an evacuation order was issued.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a state of emergency as fire crews battled unfavourable conditions.
“I have declared a State of Emergency to further support wildfire response efforts across the state and ensure our first responders continue to have the resources they need,” McMaster said in a statement on X.
“A statewide outdoor burning ban remains in effect—violators will be prosecuted.”
March is typically the worst month for wildfires in South Carolina. This year has seen significant numbers of wildfires in January and February, well in excess of the state’s five-year average.
In North Carolina, a fire at Melrose has grown to around 500 acres. Officials say it was caused by a downed power line. The fire was 0 percent contained on Sunday afternoon.
The wildfires that ravaged California in January could prove to be among the costliest natural disasters in American history, with a price tag upwards of $150 billion.
The calculation includes property and infrastructure damage, business disruptions, evacuation costs and healthcare costs linked to smoke inhalation and injuries caused by the fires.
For context, wildfires in the Western US in 2020 caused between $130 and $150 billion, while the damage caused by the Maui wildfires in 2023 caused around $15 billion in losses.
In 2024, Hurricanes Milton and Helene are believed to have caused around $250 billion in damage.
Official incompetence and cuts to firefighting have been highlighted as major causes of the enormous damage in California, with much of the blame falling on state governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass.