| Southeastern United States wildfires of 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Date(s) | March 1, 2025 – ongoing (EDT) |
| Location | North Carolina South Carolina Georgia |
| Statistics | |
| Total fires | ≥175 |
| Burned area | At least 4,200 acres (1,700 ha) |
The 2025 Southeastern United States wildfires are a series of wildfires in the Southeastern United States in March 2025. Multiple wildfires spread across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia amid dry conditions and strong winds, threatening residential areas and prompting widespread evacuations. [1] By March 2, at least 175 separate wildfires were reported, consuming over 4,200 acres. [2] [2]
The fires began on March 1, 2025, and continued to spread rapidly, with several major blazes affecting communities in Horry County, Georgetown County, and Pickens County in South Carolina, as well as Polk County in North Carolina. State officials implemented emergency measures, including a statewide burning ban in South Carolina, as firefighters worked to contain the rapidly spreading fires. [1]
The wildfires occurred during a period of hazardous fire weather across the southeastern United States. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings throughout much of South Carolina and North Carolina, indicating critical fire conditions due to wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph, extremely low humidity levels, and dry vegetation and ground conditions. [1] [3]
Afternoon high temperatures in areas of the southeastern United States reached about 73 °F (23 °C) on March 1, creating warmer-than-average regional conditions that facilitated fire spread. Furthermore, South Carolina had experienced notably low rainfall during February 2025, leaving vegetation in an exceptionally dry state. Meteorological data indicated that Myrtle Beach recorded only 2.30 inches (5.8 cm) of rain since January 1, 2025, compared to the 6.30 inches (16.0 cm) that would be considered normal over that time period. [1]
One of the most significant wildfires affected the Carolina Forest area near Myrtle Beach in Horry County, South Carolina. By the morning of March 2, 2025, this fire had consumed over 1,200 acres and remained completely uncontained. The blaze threatened the residential neighborhoods of Avalon, Spring Lake, Walker Woods, and Waterford, as well as homes within the Myrtle Beach city limits, necessitating evacuation orders for affected areas. Fire authorities reported that the rapid spread was fueled by wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph combined with extremely dry conditions. [3] [4] [2]
A separate wildfire erupted north of Carolina Forest, burning over than 300 acres by March 2. Fire officials reported that this blaze was also burning out of control with no containment achieved in the initial response phase. [3]
Approximately 35 miles to the south of Myrtle Beach, a significant wildfire began on March 1 in Georgetown County, South Carolina. This fire threatened several homes in the town of Prince George, requiring evacuations. By the morning of March 2, the fire had spread to over 800 acres. The Prince George Fire reportedly occurred in the vicinity of the Arcadia Plantation, an area where firefighters had conducted a controlled burn earlier in the week. [3]
In Pickens County, South Carolina, a wildfire in the Six Mile Mountain area necessitated evacuations on March 2. Emergency responders quickly mobilized to prevent the fire from reaching residential structures. By March 2, the Six Mile Mountain Fire had burned nearly 300 acres but was reported to be 85% contained. [3]
Close to the North Carolina–South Carolina state border, a brush fire ignited in Polk County, North Carolina, at approximately 1:30 pm EST on March 1, 2025. Officials determined the cause to be a downed power line close to Highway 176. The fire spread rapidly and threatened the settlements of Saluda, Melrose, and Tryon. By 9:00 pm on March 1, the fire had spread to 400 acres with 0% containment. [3] As of 8:00 pm March 2, the fire had burned over 500 acres at 30% containment. [5]
Local authorities evacuated residents along Meadowlark Drive in Tryon as the fire advanced rapidly toward populated areas. Multiple fire departments were mobilized to combat the blaze. [1]
Starting on March 1, The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) responded to 137 separate wildfires that collectively burned approximately 2,390 acres across the state. This sudden proliferation of fires occurred during a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service for much of Georgia due to a combination of low humidity and strong winds. Fire activity was prominent in Lumpkin County, near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. [6]
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered a statewide burning ban on March 1, emphasizing the severity of the situation by stating that violators would be jailed for starting an outdoor fire under any circumstance. [3] [4] Travel advisories were issued for several regions, including the Carolina Forest area due to the presence of smoke significantly reducing visibility for motorists. [2]
Multiple agencies responded to the wildfires, including the South Carolina Forest Commission and several local fire departments across affected counties. Local law enforcement assisted with evacuating areas in danger of the wildfires. [3] Approximately 410 personnel and at least 128 fire apparatus were dedicated to firefighting operations across the state, including aircraft equipped to drop water on the fires. [2]