Raging wildfires tore through North and South Carolina on Saturday, forcing thousands to flee as relentless winds and dry conditions fuelled the flames. Officials scrambled to contain the fast-moving infernos, issuing emergency warnings across the Southeast.

The Guardian reported that extreme weather made firefighting efforts nearly impossible, raising fears of widespread destruction.

In South Carolina, a massive brush fire erupted in Carolina Forest, just west of Myrtle Beach, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting urgent evacuation orders from Horry County officials early Sunday.

As the flames spread at a terrifying pace, Governor Henry McMaster declared a statewide burn ban, warning residents of the escalating danger. “Our first responders and firefighters are risking their lives to contain many fires across South Carolina tonight”, he stated, as reported by The Guardian.

The wildfire near Myrtle Beach has already devoured 1,200 acres within 24 hours, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. While no injuries or property damage have been reported, entire neighbourhoods were forced to evacuate, including Walkers Woods, Avalon, Indigo Bay, Summerlyn, Spring Lake, Covington Lakes, Waterford, and The Farm.

With powerful winds fanning the flames, firefighters are locked in a desperate battle to prevent further devastation. As the inferno rages on, residents remain on high alert, bracing for what could be one of the most destructive wildfires the region has faced in years.