Ring of fire surrounding NGU
Lexi Hudson, Staff Writer
Since the initial spark near Myrtle Beach, SC on March 1, hundreds of fires have scorched the Carolinas. A state-wide burn ban for South Carolina was implemented the same day.
“That means you can and will go to jail for starting a fire outdoors in South Carolina. Period,” SC Governor Henry McMaster said.
According to the SC Fire Marshal’s office, over 4,200 acres have been affected.
“We couldn’t see the actual fire, but we could see and smell the smoke coming from the other side of the mountain,” Lexie Metcalf, NGU sophomore, said.
Metcalf lives in Polk County with her husband, and she added that, although there was no damage to their property, the smell of smoke lingered throughout the night.
Select areas in Spartanburg, Oconee, Union, Pickens and Horry County have experienced the most damage, thus the most care from first responders.
“Our first responders and firefighters are risking their lives to contain many fires across South Carolina,” Governor McMaster said.
One of those firefighters, Jack B., has responded to multiple of these fires and, after a recent trip, had suspected that Table Rock State Park was next. Unfortunately, his suspicions were correct.
The Table Rock complex fire started on Friday, March 21 and has yet to be contained. Although it is still under investigation, four teenage hikers are facing charges for starting the fire.
Since Friday, Table Rock has reported over 1,100 acres burned and Persimmon’s Ridge has around 400 acres burned. The fire is projected to continue spreading due to high winds and lack of rain.
Due to the increased danger, a State of Emergency was declared for Pickens County which also called for voluntary evacuations.
Despite Table Rock State Park being roughly 20 miles from NGU’s main campus, students have no reason to panic or evacuate at this time.
“The State of Emergency allows us to mobilize resources quickly and ensure our firefighters have the support they need to protect lives and property,” Governor McMaster said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has since approved a grant that will reimburse up to 75% of all fire-related expenses — including additional fire crews and equipment.
On March 25 at around 5:30 p.m., NGU students witnessed a large smoke cloud creeping over Younts Stadium, and the smell of smoke filled the campus. Later that night, NGU released a statement to its students and staff.
“In response to the recent fires in North Greenville County, Pickens County and parts of NC we are actively monitoring the situation and in contact with our local Fire Department partners. As the winds increase, we may experience the presence of smoke/odor in our area, similar to this afternoon. However, as of this message, our local partners are advising there are no concerns for our campus and will continue to monitor the situation.”
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Locals have been advised to steer clear of the affected areas and to contact law enforcement if they encounter any danger as a result of the fire or its debris.
Feature photo courtesy of Katie Keller, NGU senior
