Wildfires Continue to Ravage South Carolina’s Upstate

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Firefighters battling wildfires in South Carolina's Upstate

News Summary

Residents of South Carolina’s Upstate are facing significant challenges as two major wildfires—the Table Rock Fire and the Persimmon Ridge Fire—expand rapidly. The Table Rock Fire has nearly doubled in size, spreading over 4,556 acres, while the Persimmon Ridge Fire now covers 1,553 acres. Evacuations are rising with over 50 communities ordered to leave. Firefighters are working hard to combat these blazes amidst difficult weather conditions, with low humidity contributing to the fires’ spread. Local businesses feel the impact as air quality alerts arise from smoke, and investigations into the fires’ origins are underway.

Wildfires Continue to Ravage South Carolina’s Upstate

It’s a tough time for residents in the Upstate of South Carolina as two significant wildfires—the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County—are growing rapidly. The situation escalated recently, with the Table Rock Fire nearly doubled in size, now stretching across a staggering 4,556 acres. As for the Persimmon Ridge Fire, it has expanded to cover 1,553 acres.

Evacuations on The Rise

In the face of these wildfires, authorities acted swiftly. Initial mandatory evacuation orders were issued on Tuesday for parts of Greenville and Pickens Counties but were expanded the following day. Now, over 50 communities near the borders of these counties are under evacuation orders, urging residents to seek safety away from the flames.

Firefighting Efforts in Full Swing

The South Carolina State Fire has mobilized a determined team of 148 firefighters to tackle these fierce blazes. Alongside this brave crew, they have deployed specialized firefighting equipment including five unique vehicles, 20 engine companies, nine tankers, and several brush trucks. Air support has also been added to the mix, with agencies like SLED aiding in essential water drops to contain the fires.

Weather Conditions Contributing to the Challenge

The weather isn’t making things any easier. Currently, we’re seeing extremely low humidity levels, dropping to as low as 14%, creating ideal conditions for these fires to spread quickly. Though lighter winds are predicted for Thursday, humidity levels are expected to dip again, reaching 22% later in the day. Pair that with ongoing dry conditions, and it’s clear why officials are on high alert. They anticipate those conditions to last at least through Saturday, but hopes for relief may arrive this Sunday, with a 50% chance of showers on the horizon.

Containment Struggles

As the situation develops, the southern frontier of the Table Rock Fire breached established containment lines. In response, firefighters are hard at work creating firebreaks to halt the fire’s spread. This blaze has now jumped major roads including U.S. Highway 276 and Persimmon Ridge Road, posing new challenges for containment efforts.

Night Shifts and Shelters

In an effort to remain ahead of the fire, a dedicated night shift has been established on the northeast side of the Table Rock Fire, featuring a 20-person hand crew, supported by eight smokejumpers and specialized machinery. Additionally, for those affected by evacuations, a shelter has been set up at Marietta First Baptist Church located at 2936 Geer Hwy, Marietta, SC 29661, offering a safe space for those needing refuge.

Keeping Informed

Residents looking for updates can reach the Table Rock Public Information Line from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (864) 467-3428. For those keen on keeping track of ongoing developments, local officials are providing virtual updates through their Facebook page dedicated to the Table Rock fire response.

Community Impact and Concerns

Though local businesses like the Table Rock Tea Company aren’t directly affected by the flames, they’re feeling the pinch from decreased customer traffic due to cancellations linked to the fires. Additionally, ongoing smoke from the wildfires raises concerns about air quality, triggering alerts for sensitive groups.

Investigations and Burn Ban

As both fires remain at a concerning 0% containment, authorities are delving into the origins of the Table Rock Fire. Reports suggest it may have been started by four teenage hikers, with potential charges currently being evaluated. To prevent further fire hazards, a statewide burn ban has been in place since last Friday, prohibiting all outdoor burning activities.

In this trying time, the community’s resilience shines through as they come together to face these challenging circumstances. Keep safe and look out for one another!