WILDFIRE UPDATE: 3/4/25 at 12:30 p.m.
Latest figures from South Carolina Forestry Commission have the Covington Drive Fire at approximately 2,059 acres, with a containment percentage of 30. They've shared an updated interactive incident map on their Facebook page.
Many of the neighborhood-area hot spot fires were contained to the black going into Tuesday morning.
Horry County Fire Rescue crews will be cycling in and around the subdivision areas, responding as flare-ups are reported.
Working with SCFC crews today, HCFR will be working to reinforce break lines, saturate the ground and deploy additional sprinkler lines.
SCFC is bringing in additional resources--plows and staffing, both additional line crews and supervisors---all working to dig new lines, knocking down hot spots and generally working to increase containment.
We recommend only getting information on this incident from trusted, vetted sources, mainly public safety and government agencies specifically involved in response, as well as media outlets working to help amplify public safety information, which has been a huge help. We're aware of lots of (often) well-meaning community social media posts and rumors with inaccurate information.
Horry County Government's Public Works Department has put up signs on the ends of International Drive, alerting motorists that the roadways is blocked to traffic at the fire gates. International Drive will remain closed to traffic until further notice.
Throughout the course of this incident, increased Horry County Police Department presence is expected in and around the Carolina Forest area, working to keep everyone safe.
We want to remind Horry County residents and guests, there is still a burn ban in place, which will remain in effect until further notice. Open burning is not permitted until the ban has been lifted. Conditions are not conducive with any kind of safe burning. Do not burn anything at this time, as first responder crews are working on this large-scale wildfire incident.
HCFR sincerely appreciates the assistance of our local, regional and statewide, many cycling in and out to help our crews and SCFC as we all work toward full containment.