Georgetown County continues burn ban enforcement

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)—On Saturday, 175 wildfires happened across the palmetto state, causing officials to put a statewide burn ban into effect; on Wednesday, most bans were lifted, but two counties, Horry and Georgetown counties, due to dry conditions.

With enhanced fire conditions such as strong winds and dry air, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and county officials both agreed to continue enforcing the burn ban in Georgetown County.

“We agreed with their position on leaving the state ban in place for Georgetown and Horry Counties, given the active fires we still have. All our fires in Georgetown County are contained. However, we still have active burning, which requires the South Carolina forestry commissions that are usually working our county to dedicate their time and efforts to those fires,” said Brandon Ellis, Georgetown County Emergency Service Director.

Crews sent out choppers, plows, and fire units to help tame the flames, and because of those efforts from local, state, and neighboring agencies, residents were able to return home that night. Officials said that evacuation and the Carolina Forest fire in neighboring Horry County should serve as reminders to take burn bans seriously and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice if necessary.

“We encourage people to have an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and have a way to receive emergency alerts, weather alerts, and emergency notifications,” said Ellis.

There is no update on when the fire ban will be lifted, but Georgetown County will post more information on their social media once it is released.