South Carolina’s tourism industry was already facing a disastrous year, but the hits just keep-a-coming.
According to S.C. Forestry Officials, 15,000 acres and 70 homes have been destroyed in the heart the Grand Strand by a fire that began yesterday afternoon.
Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated, and thankfully no injuries have been reported.
Also, no cause has been reported yet for the blaze.
As of a few minutes ago, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford declared a State of Emergency for Horry County.
“This fire is continuing to spread, and it’s incredibly important that people near the affected area pay close attention to emergency announcements and news outlets about developments with this disaster,” Sanford said. “We are continuing to work actively with the state Emergency Management Division and the Forestry Commission in determining what state assets are needed, and this action we’ve taken will allow our administration to deploy whatever is necessary on this front.”
Fortunately, the fire is on the Western side of the Intracoastal Waterway, which should keep it from spreading to the city of Myrtle Beach itself – although that’s no consolation for the forty homeowners who saw their houses destroyed after the fire jumped a busy highway earlier this morning.
Stay tuned to FITS as we continue to follow this breaking story …
WEB EXTRA
By lou April 23, 2009 at 10:03 am
GOD said he WOULD destroy the earth with fire… purifying it, kinda.
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By SS Minnow April 23, 2009 at 11:08 am
Well we all know Sanford isn’t going to spend any money to help put that fire out!
By hammerheadSC April 23, 2009 at 11:09 am
I really feel bad for everyone involved in this situation and pray that firefighters can be safe and residents can get out of there.
By The Right April 23, 2009 at 11:27 am
I hope that those in the Myrtle Beach area will be spared the effects of this fire.
By Earl Capps April 23, 2009 at 11:54 am
Myrtle Beach is on fire? Burn, baby, burn … ummm … uuhhh … well … someone had to say something cold and insensitive.
By P Branton April 23, 2009 at 1:47 pm
WOW……
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted…..
The one POSITIVE aspect is that MR Lonnie Carter, the CEO of Santee “Sandanista” Cooper NOW knows that we have wind in our state….!!!!! Its ashame that it took a FIRE to open his EYES to the fact that we can use OUR Wind for electricity instead of bending over to Robert Byrd and the RAIL lobby….!!!
The first GE Turbine wind farm should be NAMED after this WIND AWARENESS …fire..!!!
Its time for Mr. Lonnie Carter to think about ………South Carolinian WIND !!!
Get a CLUE …Lonnie!!!
WE ARE BURNED….UP !!!
By Red alert LINK here April 23, 2009 at 3:59 pm
GOD said he WOULD destroy the earth with fire)))))not true
http://media4you.9f.com/
By Just Checking April 23, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Branton….you are a nutjob
By sybilla anzisi April 23, 2009 at 9:03 pm
my sister, mother, nephew Joseph, neice Gianna and their 2 dogs are evacuating as i type. i am begging for people tp pray for their safety.
By Shirley Barber (and Willard) April 23, 2009 at 10:07 pm
We are keeping all of you in our prayers, as well as the firemen and others who are assisting in any way.
May God keep you in His tender care.
Shirley and Willard Barber
Reidsville, North Carolina
By the right side April 24, 2009 at 12:25 am
Earl please explain your comment. I’ve seen dozens of homes burned with my eyes. Are you that big of a jerk?
By Earl Capps April 24, 2009 at 11:53 am
Right side, I’ve got two ex-wives would probably think I am, and you know what? They’re probably right.
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