Myrtle Beach wildfire contained at 200 acres

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — A wildfire that caused the evacuation of about 50 homes near Myrtle Beach is now contained.

South Carolina Forestry Commission spokesman Scott Hawkins said Sunday morning the fire burned about 200 acres Saturday before firefighters were able to contain it.

Hawkins says the soil under the fire has plenty of organic material that can burn easily, so it may be weeks before officials are confident the fire will not ignite again. In the meantime, firefighters will keep an eye on the area.

Authorities say they have ticketed a man for failing to control a debris fire and allowing the blaze to spread. His name has not been released.

The evacuated residents were allowed to return home after a few hours Saturday. No structures were damaged.