Carolina, Mar 3, (V7N) - Wildfires were burning across both North and South Carolina on Sunday, leading to evacuations and the opening of emergency shelters as dry conditions and strong winds intensified the fires' spread.

In South Carolina, a large brush fire near Myrtle Beach, in the community of Carolina Forest, grew rapidly, forcing residents in several neighborhoods to evacuate. By 10 a.m. Sunday, the fire had consumed about 1,200 acres, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Dramatic videos showed the fire approaching homes, with flames whipping through the air and thick smoke rising. Fortunately, no structures have been reported as destroyed, and no injuries have been reported either.

Horry County Fire Rescue urged all residents of Carolina Forest to monitor the weather forecast, sign up for emergency alerts, and prepare an evacuation plan.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued a statewide ban on outdoor fires on Saturday, citing the dangerous wildfire conditions. "Our first responders and firefighters are risking their lives to contain many fires across South Carolina," he said.

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, a wildfire in the Blue Ridge Mountains was threatening communities near the South Carolina border, including Saluda and Tryon. The Melrose Fire had burned between 400 to 500 acres of land by Sunday morning and remained out of control. Polk County Emergency Management warned that there would be more fire activity throughout the day.

The fire in Saluda was reportedly started by a downed power line. In addition, a fire in Six Mile, South Carolina, prompted evacuation warnings on Saturday, though the warnings were later lifted when the fire was contained.

As of Sunday, the National Weather Service issued fire warnings from Georgia to New Jersey due to dry conditions and strong winds. "The combination of dry fuels and low humidity increases the risk for dangerous fire behavior," the weather service stated. Winds were expected to remain a concern, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region, where gusts could reach up to 25 mph, further fueling the wildfires.

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