The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has been activated at Operational Condition 2 (OPCON 2) in response to fires in Horry County. OPCON 2 means there is a disaster or emergency situation in effect and that the state is at a high preparedness level.
Approximately 2,500 homes have been evacuated and 250 people are currently in shelters.
The Forestry Commission reports 40 homes have been destroyed, 100 homes have been damaged and approximately 15,000 acres have burned north of HWY 31 and west of HWY 22.
Currently the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is supporting Horry County Emergency Management by coordinating the use of National Guard air assets that include aircraft equipped with firefighting equipment. SCEMD is also helping to bring fire fighting assets from around the state to assist Horry County.
The SEOC is currently staffed by personnel from the SCEMD, the National Guard, the State Fire Marshal's Office, the Department of Natural Resources, the SC Forestry Commission, The Red Cross, the Department of Transportation, the Budget and Control Board, Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, and the Civil Air Patrol.
