PHOTO GALLERY: Wildfires rage in North and South Carolina
High winds, dry weather, and debris left by Hurricane Helene fuel wildfires in the Carolinas
The South Carolina National Guard responds to the Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge wildfires in Pickens County, S.C., on March 23. Associated Press / Photo by Roberto Di Giovine / U.S. Army National Guard
Four teenage hikers have been charged after sparking a fire in Table Rock State Park in Pickens, S.C., on March 21. The Table Rock fire is still burning and is the largest wildfire in the history of South Carolina, with over 13,000 acres burned in the state and 635 acres in North Carolina. On Saturday, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office organized an event for locals to gather together and pray for their community, first responders, and rain. Over the last two days, the Table Rock area has received 1.5 inches of rain, significantly reducing fire activity. It was 30 percent contained as of Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in Western North Carolina, a downed powerline started the Black Cove Fire, which was first reported on March 19. It has burned over 3,500 acres and was 36 percent contained on Tuesday. Firefighters received some relief on Sunday as widespread rain helped cool some of the fire’s hotter areas.
National Guard helicopters conduct aerial, water-bucket operations over the Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge wildfires on March 23. Associated Press / Photo by Roberto Di Giovine / U.S. Army National Guard
The Black Cove Fire burns on March 26 in Saluda, N.C. Associated Press / Photo by Allison Joyce
A firefighter lights a protective backburn fire to control the Black Cove Fire on March 26. Associated Press / Photo by Allison Joyce
The Black Cove Fire burns in Saluda, N.C. Associated Press / Photo by Allison Joyce
Firefighters work a backburn to control the Black Cove Fire on March 26. Associated Press / Photo by Allison Joyce
Fire retardant dropped on the Black Cove Fire is seen in Saluda, N.C. Associated Press / Photo by Allison Joyce
Smoke from the Table Rock fire rises behind the incident command post in Pickens County, S.C., on March 29. Associated Press / Photo by Matt Kelley
Firefighters travel to contain the Table Rock fire on March 29. Associated Press / Photo by Matt Kelley
Firemen gather outside the incident command post for the Table Rock fire in Pickens County, S.C. Associated Press / Photo by Matt Kelley
Responders from the South Carolina State Guard look on as smoke rises from the Table Rock fires on March 29. Associated Press / Photo by Matt Kelley
Firefighters fill a gasoline tank in preparation to help contain the Table Rock fire. Associated Press / Photo by Matt Kelley
Resource staff conduct a briefing at the incident command post in Pickens County, S.C., on March 29. Associated Press / Photo by Matt Kelley
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette speaks to the media outside of the incident command post. Associated Press / Photo by Matt Kelley
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