Horry County Fire Rescue and assisting regional and state crews are actively working the Carolina Forest-area wildfire incident.

Heavy smoke is blanketing the area, with very low visibility in the Carolina Forest area, extending up and down Highways 501 and 31 to Water Tower Road.

International Drive is closed to traffic, with fire gates down approximately a mile down from Highway 90 and approximately one mile west of Ocean Bay Elementary School. This road will remain closed until further notice.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission will continue to assist with plows, strengthening and cutting lines, working toward to containment, as well providing water drops from airplanes. There are two additional helicopter resources assisting in dropping water.

HCFR crews are doing both flying reconnaissance with drones, as well as on-site visual reconnaissance from supervisors to aid in response strategy.

We realize these operations are affecting the normal flow of life in Horry County, and we appreciate the public's understanding and trust in our teams to make sure everyone stays safe.

There's been an immense amount of support, both in kind words of appreciation, social media tags and dropped-off food and supply donations.

The Command Post at HCFR Station 39 (Carolina Forest) is well stocked with food and drinks, but the ongoing support for our hardworking firefighters is always appreciated! We agree!

#HCFR