Looking back: 1 year since SC's longest-burning wildfire began

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

One year ago, on March 1, 2025, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Carolina Forest area of South Carolina. About 12 hours later, Horry County Fire Rescue reported an active outdoor fire in the area, leading to evacuations of the Walkers Woods and Avalon neighborhoods. The Covington Drive wildfire then spread across more than 2,000 acres and burned for 95 days, making it the longest-burning wildfire in South Carolina history.

Why it matters

Wildfires pose a serious threat to communities, especially in dry, windy conditions. The Covington Drive wildfire highlighted the need for effective fire prevention, response, and evacuation planning in the region.

The details

The Covington Drive wildfire began on March 1, 2025 after the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the area. Horry County Fire Rescue responded to reports of an active outdoor fire in the Carolina Forest community and began evacuating the Walkers Woods and Avalon neighborhoods. Governor Henry McMaster then issued a statewide burning ban as the wildfire spread across more than 2,000 acres over the course of 95 days, making it the longest-burning wildfire in South Carolina history.

• On March 1, 2025, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the area.
• About 12 hours later, Horry County Fire Rescue reported the active outdoor fire and began evacuations.
• Governor Henry McMaster issued a statewide burning ban as the wildfire spread.
• The Covington Drive wildfire burned for 95 days, making it the longest-burning wildfire in South Carolina history.