What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of April 7, 2025, the Carolina Forest Wildfire is nearing full containment in Horry County, South Carolina, near Myrtle Beach (1). The Carolina Forest Wildfire is one of 175 fires across the state, which have prompted Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency.

Additional wildfires are burning across North Carolina and parts of Georgia, including in the Blue Ridge Mountains and multiple national forests (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

Wildfires have impacted a number of communities in the Southeastern U.S., including:

• Asheboro, North Carolina
• Clemson, South Carolina
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Nantahala, North Carolina
• New Bern, North Carolina
• Seneca, South Carolina
• Spartanburg, South Carolina
• Tryon, North Carolina
• Union, South Carolina
• Uwharrie, North Carolina

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

The Carolina Forest Fire is 90% contained as of April 7 and has burned 2,059 acres (3). Fire crews are actively working on containment lines, aerial reconnaissance, and managing heavy fuel loads.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders were issued for eight neighborhoods in Carolina Forest, but residents have since been allowed to return home (4).

Emergency shelters were established, including at a county recreation center and the Carolina Forest Community Church. Authorities continue to monitor air quality, and schools in Horry County are adjusting outdoor activities. Burn bans remain in place across affected areas.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.

As of April 7, 2025, this fire is 90% contained.