Carolina Forest wildfire remains 70% containment nearly two weeks later
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - Firefighters will continue to work to contain the Carolina Forest wildfire on Sunday, nearly two weeks after it was first sparked.
Here are the latest updates and information on the fire:
MASTICATION PROJECT TO AID IN FIRE SUPPRESSION EFFORTS TO BEGIN MONDAY
The South Carolina Forestry Commission announced on Saturday that a mastication project to suppress the Covington Drive wildfire will begin on Monday.
The agency says that the project will begin at 8 a.m. and special equipment will mechanically grind hazardous greenery such as bushes, small trees and brush into a layer of mulch, leaving larger overstory trees undisturbed.
“ The mastication work is being done to create “defensible space”, which is critical in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)—areas where homes and buildings sit close to or within natural vegetation like forests and bays," read the announcement. Defensible space is an area around these structures that is modified to create a buffer against advancing wildfires. This protective zone increases the chances of the structure surviving a wildfire without requiring active defense; it also provides firefighters with access and a place to work if protection measures are needed."
The red line on the map above shows the planned location of the mastication work.
The SCFC says work is expected to take seven to 10 days and will be supervised by personnel from the South Carolina Forestry Commission, Horry County Fire Rescue and Florida Forest Service.
FIRE REMAINS 70% CONTAINED, FORESTRY COMMISSION SAYS
The South Carolina Forestry Commission said Friday that the blaze remains 2,059 acres in size and 70% contained.
“The fire continues to smolder in spots within the deep organic fuels in Tuckahoe Bay, at the north end of Covington Drive, and to the east of Tuckahoe Road around the Walkers Woods community,” the agency said in its latest update. “Containment lines are well established in these areas, and firefighters continue to work diligently applying water to cool hot spots.”
The SCFC said crews will continue to monitor containment lines and respond to flare-ups and hot spots as needed.
The latest map provided by the SCFC shows areas where the fire is contained, as indicated by black lines.
It’s important to that contained does not mean extinguished; rather, it means firefighters have created a barrier around the fire, and it will not spread quickly.
As for the map, SCFC spokesperson Russell Hubright previously explained that the red lines don’t necessarily mean the fire is active and moving in those areas.
“It [the red lines] means that we’re not as confident that the fire will stay right where it is versus black areas... we’re pretty confident it will if that makes sense,” Hubright said. “We’re hoping that it all stays right where it is.”
FEMA APPROVES FUNDS TO HELP WITH WILDFIRE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday that federal funds have been authorized to help fight the blaze.
FEMA said the state of South Carolina submitted a request on Friday for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which was granted.
Per the agency, such grants provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.
“The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters,” FEMA said in an announcement. “Eligible costs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.”
WOMAN CHARGED WITH STARTING WILDFIRE
The South Carolina Forestry Commission announced it charged a woman on Thursday with starting the massive wildfire.
Alexandra Bialousow is accused of starting a fire to burn debris on March 1 in a backyard fire pit close to a tree line in the Covington Lakes community.
She was later granted and posted bond.
Click here for more information on her arrest.
DRONE IMAGES/VIDEO
Horry County officials released a drone video on March 5, showing the view from above as first responders continued battling the wildfire in the area of Tuckahoe Road.
The county also provided more new images captured by drones from efforts once storms rolled out.
FIRST RESPONSE
Horry County Fire Rescue spokesperson Tony Casey told WMBF News that the agency’s first report of what became the wildfire came on March 1, when a neighbor reported a fire behind a house.
SEND YOUR PHOTOS
If you have images from the wildfire, including any air coming in, you can send them to us below. We ask that you capture any footage safely!
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.
