Horry County wildfire again 100 percent contained

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — State Forestry officials say an Horry County wildfire that has been burning for nearly four weeks is again 100 percent contained.

South Carolina Forestry Commission spokesman Scott Hawkins said Friday recent rains allowed firefighters to dig wide firebreaks around the fire, likely preventing it from spreading even as hot, dry weather is expected to return this weekend.

But Hawkins says while the fire is contained, it is not controlled and will likely burn inside the firebreaks for weeks without another heavy, drenching rain.

Hawkins says local firefighters will patrol the perimeter of the fire daily to monitor the blaze, but firefighters from outside the area will be sent home.

The wildfire started July 3 from fireworks. It has burned nearly 1,400 acres, but hasn’t damaged any homes.