- Recovery continues for western NC nearly two months after Hurricane Helene
- Recovery continues for western NC nearly three months after Hurricane Helene
- Cast of Scandal reunites to show support for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
- Tropical Storm Sara threatens to bring flash floods and mudslides to Central America
- Hurricane-stricken Tampa Bay Rays to play 2025 season at Yankees' spring training field in Tampa
Marking 15 years since 19,000 acre wildfire destroyed dozens of homes in Horry County
HORRY COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Monday marks 15 years since one of the most devastating fires in South Carolina history took place right across the border in Horry County.
The blaze, known as the Highway 31 fire, burned more than 19,000 acres and destroyed 76 homes.
Many other houses were damaged and thousands of people were forced to evacuate.
“The best ways to reduce wildfire risk are to be smart about burning and open flames, be mindful of vegetation near your home and to know what to grab should a wildfire impact your area and require you to evacuate quickly,” Horry County Emergency Management said.
The fire began as a small debris burn on private land east of Conway, according to the National Weather Service.