UPDATE: Carolinas lift burning bans
South Carolina had a burning ban for five counties that was lifted Wednesday afternoon; evacuation orders lifted in Greenville and Pickens counties in S.C. and Polk County, N.C.
Down Ballot Staff Reports
A report from WYFF-TV states the South Carolina Forestry Commission lifted the burning ban that was still in effect for Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Horry, and Spartanburg counties on Wednesday, April 2.
North Carolina lifted its burning ban Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement from the state’s forest service.
The ban ends at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. The statewide ban went into effect on March 21 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.
“We’ve received some well-timed, much-needed rain over the last couple days which has helped reduce fire danger, allowing us to lift burn ban restrictions across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in the statement. “However, we are still in the midst of spring wildfire season and our recent wildfire activity, especially in Western North Carolina, is a reminder to remain vigilant about burning safely and responsibly.”
With recent rains, firefighters were able to make progress containing multiple fires in North and South Carolina.
"Rain across the fire area Monday allowed fire crews to take advantage of low fire behavior and wet conditions to strengthen containment features around the fire. Damp conditions will continue to aid firefighter success," a spokesperson from the North Carolina Forest Service said in a written statement on Tuesday, April 1. "Slick and slippery conditions from Monday’s weather system are on the forefront of firefighter’s minds as they focus on safely navigating fire lines. With more containment, crews are also focusing on suppression repair efforts to prevent accelerated erosion on the fire lines due to the heavy rainfall. "
The Black Cove fire is 93 percent contained as of Tuesday morning and the Deep Woods fire is 60 percent contained.
According to a report on Monday from WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, S.C., evacuation orders have been lifted for Greenville and Pickens counties.
Polk County, N.C. has lifted all mandatory evacuations on Monday, according to a statement.
South Carolina previously lifted its burning ban in 41 of its 46 counties.
