South Carolina governor declares state of emergency as raging wildfires prompt mass evacuations
NBCMAR 14
Carolinas Battle Over 170 Wildfires, SC Governor Declares Emergency
Above: Teams continue to work to contain the fires in Horry County at Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management property in South Carolina, United States on March 3, 2025. Image copyright: SC Department of Natural Resources/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The unprecedented scale and rapid spread of these wildfires demonstrate the urgent need for enhanced firefighting resources and emergency preparedness in the Southeast, as climate conditions create increasingly dangerous fire scenarios that threaten populated areas and strain response capabilities.
Narrative B
These fires represent seasonal, even if stressed, fire weather patterns for the Carolinas, where controlled burns and natural fires play a vital role in forest ecosystem management. Current emergency response systems are robust and well-equipped to handle such incidents with existing resources and protocols.