You’ve probably seen the headlines or smelled that distinct, acrid scent of woodsmoke drifting toward the coastline lately. If you're living in Horry County or just visiting for a winter getaway, the recent Myrtle Beach fires update is likely top of mind. Honestly, the situation changed fast over the last few days. We went from a strict emergency burn ban on Sunday to a "business as usual" status by Tuesday morning, but that doesn't mean the risk has vanished into thin air.
January is a weird time for South Carolina. People think of wildfire season as a summer thing, but in the Palmetto State, it’s actually late winter and early spring when things get dicey. The vegetation is dormant or dead. It's dry. When those winter winds pick up, a tiny spark in a backyard fire pit can turn into a 2,000-acre monster before you’ve even finished your coffee.
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The Latest on the Ground
Just a few days ago, specifically on January 11, 2026, Horry County officials had to slam the brakes on all outdoor burning. The relative humidity dropped, and the wind started kicking. It was a recipe for disaster. This wasn't just a "pretty please don't burn" request—it was a legal mandate for the unincorporated areas of the county.
Thankfully, the weather cooperated. By 6:00 AM on Tuesday, January 13, the ban was lifted.
But here is what most people get wrong: just because the ban is lifted doesn't mean the woods aren't still ready to ignite. We saw a perfect example of this recently near Bayberry Lane, right off Highway 90. A woods fire broke out there, backing up to a land-clearing project for Barefoot Church. North Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Garry Spain had teams on that one for a while because the fire was actually burning five or six inches deep into the peat moss.
Peat fires are a nightmare. They smolder underground. You think the fire is out, but it’s literally crawling beneath your feet, waiting for a breeze to help it break the surface again.
Why Myrtle Beach is So Vulnerable Right Now
If you look at the history, like the massive Highway 31 fire or the Covington Drive fire from 2025, there's a pattern. The "Carolina Bays" in this region are filled with pine overstories and a thick understory of gallberry and wax myrtles. These plants are basically nature's version of kindling. They have a high oil content. Once they catch, they burn hot and fast.
Last year’s Covington Drive fire was a wake-up call for many. It burned over 2,000 acres and took 82 days to be declared 100% contained. Do you know how that started? A 40-year-old woman was burning yard debris in her backyard. She didn't have a hose ready. She didn't have tools. In a matter of minutes, a weekend chore became a state of emergency that forced thousands of evacuations.
Current "Open Burn" Rules You Need to Know
Kinda strange as it sounds, you actually have to call the South Carolina Forestry Commission before you light a match for yard debris. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s the law. If you’re in Horry County, that number is 1-800-986-5404.
- Timing: You can only start your burn between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
- Distance: Keep that fire at least 50 feet away from any structures.
- Materials: Natural vegetation only. No shingles, no tires, and definitely no treated wood.
- Supervision: You have to stay with it until it is dead out.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
The Myrtle Beach fires update for the rest of January looks "moderate" according to current risk forecasts, but that's a deceptive word. "Moderate" in the Lowcountry can turn to "Extreme" in the span of a six-hour wind shift.
We are currently seeing a lot of smoke around the Robert Edge Parkway area due to those stubborn peat fires and some approved clearing projects. If you're driving and hit a wall of smoke, don't just floor it. Peat smoke is heavy and sits low on the road, especially at night and in the early morning.
Horry County Fire Rescue and the SC Forestry Commission are still patrolling the Highway 90 corridor. They've been plowing firebreaks—basically big dirt trenches—to make sure those underground smolders don't jump into fresh timber.
Actionable Steps for Residents and Visitors
If you're a homeowner, clear those gutters. Pine needles are basically "fire fuel" sitting on your roof. If a stray ember from a neighbor's pit lands in a gutter full of dry needles, your roof is gone before the fire department can even hook up a hose.
For visitors, check the Horry County Government website or their social media feeds before you plan a beach bonfire (where allowed) or use a fire pit at a rental. The status can change in hours.
Basically, be smart. The "all clear" on the burn ban is a green light for responsible burning, not a free-for-all.
Next Steps for Safety:
- Save the SC Forestry Commission notification number (1-800-986-5404) to your phone.
- Download a local news app like WMBF or WPDE to get "Push Alerts" for sudden burn bans.
- Check your property for "ladder fuels"—low-hanging branches that allow a ground fire to climb up into the treetops.
- If you see smoke where it shouldn't be, call 911 immediately; seconds matter when the wind is over 15 mph in the Carolina Forest area.