SC Wildfire Blamed on Burning of Yard Debris

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2009 1:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – Investigators say the wildfire tearing through South Carolina was set off by someone burning yard debris, the AP reports. The fire apparently rekindled days later, then burned through dry scrub and trees into North Myrtle Beach. The fire was about 50% contained this afternoon, and... Read full story »

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

You need to Log in to Newser to comment. Don't have an account yet? Sign up now!

There are no comments

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

What's Popular Now on Facebook

'Serpent Pastor' Dies of Snake Bite

Miami Face-Eater Identified

Associated Press (Source Grid »)

South Carolina • wildfires • Myrtle Beach

More Newser Stories

SC Man: Don't Blame Me, Blame Fire Dept.

Says firefighters checked his home twice

(NEWSER) - A South Carolina man accused of setting off the state's still-burning wildfires says the fire department should be taking the blame, not him. Marc Torchi says he's gotten death threats since fire officials named him, alleging that Torchi's backyard fire to burn debris started the larger blaze. Torchi said they left something out: Firefighters came to his house to put out the debris fire, then returned to make sure all was OK. It apparently rekindled four days later, the AP reports. More»

Wildfires Destroy Dozens of SC Homes

2,500 evacuated in North Myrtle Beach area

(NEWSER) - Fires have forced the evacuation of around 2,500 people in the North Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, the Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports. At least 40 homes have been destroyed and 100 damaged by fire in Horry County, a tourist hotspot; no injuries have been reported. "This has already proved to be a devastating event for Horry County, and it isn't over," said Gov. Mark Sanford, who declared a state of emergency in the county. More»

Fire Now Largest in New Mexico's History

Has burned 265 square miles in Gila National Forest

(AP) - A massive wildfire that has burned more than 265 square miles in the Gila National Forest has become the largest fire in New Mexico state history, fire officials confirmed today. The erratic blaze grew overnight to more than 170,000 acres, surpassing a blaze last year that burned 156,593 acres in Los Conchas and threatened the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the nation's premier nuclear facility. More»

Michigan Wildfire Torches 21K Acres

6 buildings destroyed so far

(AP) - A wildfire in Michigan's Upper Peninsula grew by 17% to more than 21,000 acres today as officials warned of tough conditions and welcomed help from water-dumping aircraft from the Michigan National Guard. Wind gusts were predicted at 15 mph and high temperatures were in the 60s in a dry, remote part of the state where access has been tricky because there are few roads. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a popular destination for campers seven miles from the fire, was closed. More»

Tropical Storm Alberto Forms Off Carolinas

Year's first storm forms before start of hurricane season

(NEWSER) - With 12 days left before the official start of hurricane season, Tropical Storm Alberto has formed about 95 miles off the coast of South Carolina, according to the National Hurricane Center. Thus far, Alberto isn't expected to make landfall, but he's got his own tropical storm warning and could mean some high winds, waves, rip tides, and rain for the area. He'll likely head out to sea and fizzle, reports the AP . More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

SC Wildfire Blamed on Burning of Yard Debris

South Carolina • wildfires • Myrtle Beach

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

SC Man: Don't Blame Me, Blame Fire Dept.

Says firefighters checked his home twice

Wildfires Destroy Dozens of SC Homes

2,500 evacuated in North Myrtle Beach area

Fire Now Largest in New Mexico's History

Has burned 265 square miles in Gila National Forest

Michigan Wildfire Torches 21K Acres

6 buildings destroyed so far

Tropical Storm Alberto Forms Off Carolinas

Year's first storm forms before start of hurricane season

About Us

Site

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?