SC coast warily awaits next devastating wildfire

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — It’s been three years since the most devastating wildfire in South Carolina history. And forestry officials say it’s not a matter of if, but simply when, another will occur. The 2009 fire near North Myrtle Beach scorched about 19,000 acres, destroyed 76 homes and damaged 100 more.

Officials with the South Carolina Forestry Commission says this year’s warm spring and summer prevented crews from doing prescribed burns to clear out underbrush that could spread another blaze in the area.

In the Barefoot Landing subdivision homes have been rebuilt but many in brick, instead of vinyl siding that can easily burn. Most residents, instead of mulching with pine straw that can easily spread flames, now use decorative stones or heavy materials such as cypress mulch.