Honestly, if you live in Myrtle Beach, the words "Carolina Forest forest fire" probably trigger a specific kind of internal alarm. It's that sharp, metallic scent of pine smoke. You've seen the sky turn an eerie, bruised orange over the Intracoastal Waterway. It's a localized anxiety.
Most people think of wildfires as a "West Coast problem." They picture California hillsides or Oregon treelines. But here in South Carolina, the threat is built into the soil. Literally.
The most recent major scare, the Covington Drive Fire in March 2025, served as a massive wake-up call for the 14,000+ properties tucked away in this community. It wasn't a lightning strike. It wasn't a freak act of nature. It started in a backyard fire pit. One woman, Alexandra Bialousow, was eventually charged because she didn't have a water source or tools nearby when the embers jumped.
Over 2,000 acres gone. Just like that.
Why Carolina Forest is a Powder Keg
Carolina Forest is basically a "Wildland-Urban Interface" (WUI). That’s a fancy term experts like Douglas Wood from the South Carolina Forestry Commission use to describe where houses meet thick woods.
It’s a beautiful place to live, but it’s risky.
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The geography here is unique. We have high-volatility fuels. Think wax myrtles, gallberry, and thick pine straw. These plants don't just burn; they explode. They contain oils that turn a small flame into a 30-foot wall of fire in seconds.
The 2009 Highway 31 Disaster
You can't talk about a Carolina Forest forest fire without mentioning the 2009 Highway 31 Fire. It remains the costliest wildfire in South Carolina history.
- Acres burned: 19,130
- Homes destroyed: 76
- Damages: Over $50 million
The fire moved at 2.4 miles per hour. That sounds slow until you realize it was throwing burning embers a half-mile ahead of the main flame front. It jumped a four-lane highway like it wasn't even there.
The "False Security" of Green Trees
Here is what most people get wrong: they think fire season is in the middle of a hot, dry summer.
Nope.
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In South Carolina, peak fire season is late winter and early spring—January through mid-April. Why? Because the vegetation is dormant. It’s dead and dry. When you mix that with the low humidity we get in February and the 40-mph wind gusts from coastal storms, you get a recipe for disaster.
The 2026 season is looking particularly sketchy. Meteorologists are tracking a La Niña pattern. For us, that usually means warmer, drier weather.
If the ground is crunchy under your feet, the forest is ready to burn.
What You Can Actually Do
It’s not all doom and gloom, but you have to be proactive. Waiting for the smoke to appear is too late.
Create a Defensible Space
You need a 30-foot buffer around your home. Rake the pine straw away from your vinyl siding. If a fire starts, that pine straw acts like a fuse leading straight to your living room. Clear your gutters too. Embers love to land in dry leaves on a roof.
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The "1-800-777-FIRE" Rule
If you live in an unincorporated area and you're planning to burn yard debris, you are legally required to notify the Forestry Commission. This isn't just about permission. It’s so they know not to send a fleet of fire trucks to your house when a neighbor reports smoke.
Smart Landscaping
Switch out the highly flammable stuff. Use mulch or rocks near the foundation instead of pine straw. Plant hardwood trees like oaks or maples; they don't ignite nearly as fast as pines or evergreens.
The Reality of Living in the WUI
The truth is, Carolina Forest will always have a moderate to major fire risk. It's the trade-off for living in a wooded coastal paradise.
The 2025 Covington Drive incident proved that one person's mistake can displace thousands. It only took a few hours for 2,000 acres to char. We were lucky that time—no homes were lost. But in 2009, 76 families weren't so lucky.
Stay vigilant during the "dry" months. Watch the humidity levels. If the wind is whipping and the air feels parched, maybe hold off on that backyard bonfire.
Actionable Steps for Residents:
- Hardscape the first 5 feet: Replace flammable mulch with gravel or river rock directly against your home's exterior.
- Screen your vents: Use 1/8-inch metal mesh to cover attic and crawlspace vents to keep flying embers out.
- Audit your insurance: Make sure your policy specifically covers "wildfire" and "replacement cost" for your home and belongings.
- Download local alerts: Ensure your phone is set to receive emergency management notifications for Horry County.
Safety in Carolina Forest isn't just about what the firefighters do; it’s about what you do in your own backyard before the first spark flies.