Wildfire near Horry County grows to 1,750 acres

Residents see smoke, ash as fire spreads rapidly

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, brown, and orange, depicting a massive plume of thick smoke obscuring the horizon and dwarfing any visible structures, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of a natural disaster.As climate change fuels more extreme weather, a rapidly spreading wildfire casts an ominous cloud over a South Carolina community.Conway Today

A wildfire that started along the Horry/Marion county line in South Carolina has grown from 200 acres to 1,750 acres, with only 60% containment as of Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service warns that the dry conditions and wind are allowing the fire to spread quickly, causing smoke and ash to infiltrate the Conway area.

Why it matters

Wildfires pose a serious threat to communities in the region, especially as climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions that can fuel rapid fire growth. The impact on air quality and visibility also raises concerns for residents' health and safety.

The details

The wildfire, which was initially 100% contained, has now only 60% containment as of 12:50 p.m. on April 14, 2026. National Weather Service Warning Coordinator Meteorologist Brandon Locklear said the dry conditions and just enough wind are allowing the fire to get out of control and spread rapidly.

  • The wildfire started along the Horry/Marion county line.
  • As of 12:50 p.m. on April 14, 2026, the fire had grown to 1,750 acres and was 60% contained.

The players

Horry County Fire Rescue

The local fire department responding to the wildfire.

South Carolina Forestry Commission

The state agency providing live updates on the wildfire's status.

Brandon Locklear

A National Weather Service Warning Coordinator Meteorologist who explained the conditions fueling the fire's rapid spread.

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What they’re saying

“Since it's so dry, there is just enough wind to let fires get out of control.”

— Brandon Locklear, National Weather Service Warning Coordinator Meteorologist

The takeaway

This wildfire highlights the growing threat of extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, which can rapidly fuel the spread of dangerous fires and put nearby communities at risk. Residents will need to remain vigilant and follow local authorities' guidance to stay safe.