MYRTLE BEACH FIRE

There have been many of our fellow bloggers who have been expressing concern about Oliver and myself as they have followed the National News about the massive wildfire that is still burning in Myrtle Beach, SC. First let me express our thanks for the many who have asked about our well being and that both Oliver, myself and our families are safe and are not threatened by the fire. I live about ten miles from the South side of the fire and Oliver lives about three miles from it but the winds have consistently moved the fire away from his home.

Now some details about the fire. The origin is still unknown but it is suspected that it started by man made sources. The fire has, as of this morning , consumed nearly 20, 000 acres or about 31 square miles. For those who may be familiar with the Myrtle Beach area the fire is located along a line that extends from Hwy 90 in Eastern Conway east to Hwy 31 and Northeast to about five miles beyond Hwy 22. It has managed to jump two four lane highways in the process and is expected to pick up some momentum this afternoon as the Ocean winds blow from the South.

70 homes have been destroyed, with another 100 badly damaged. The majority of the home destruction is in a large neighborhood near North Myrtle Beach in the Barefoot Resort area. At the present time the fire is only about 40% contained but has not spread to new areas because the late afternoon winds of yesterday caused the fire to turn back on itself and last night the winds were calming thus preventing the spread to new areas. 2500 residents have been evacuated and are staying in free hotel rooms or shelters.

Winds are expected to pick up to 15 to 20 miles per hour blowing in off the Ocean this afternoon so that could change quickly as fire fighters continue to battle the inferno. Horry County Emergency Management is stating that it is likely to be three to four days before the tireless efforts of fire fighters assisted by air support with Bambi buckets from the South Carolina National Guard can bring the fire under control.

The largest fire in South Carolina history consumed 30, 000 acres in 1976 and was located in the Myrtle Beach area also. This is thus far the second largest and has the capability of surpassing the State record before all is over. Thick dense smoke covers the Northern half of the County which, if looking on the map, is the entire Southeast corner of the State. Thick smoke also extends several miles into neighboring Brunswick County in North Carolina. The smell of smoke is evident everywhere in the area.

It looks to be an eventful weekend around here especially with the weather predicted to be dry, warm and sunny the Beach goers will be driving in for a weekend stay along the Grand Strand. This trip for those who travel to Myrtle Beach regularly will be a bit unusual as the horizon looking from the beach will be smoke rather than the sunny blue skies usually seen when looking inland from the Coast.

Once again, thank you from Oliver and myself for your expression of concern on our behalf. Please remember those who have lost so much as a result of this massive wildfire and those who are still in harms way. Also remember the brave men and women who are tirelessly combating this blaze as they struggle to protect resident from the destructive force of fire.

Ken Taylor