Highway 17 North through Charleston County was opened to traffic Thursday morning as fire crews continue to monitor a forest fire at the Georgetown/Charleston County line.
The fire was called in just before 3:00 p.m. Wednesday and was reported originally as a 200 acre wildfire with 20-30 foot flames. The fire grew and burned at least 1,100 acres.
Smoke from this fire has been reported throughout Horry and Georgetown counties.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission says three structures burned in this fire, but there may be more.
They also report power lines are down in the area.
A voluntary evacuation was ordered for residents in the area, but as of 11 p.m., the shelter was closed, and everyone was allowed back home.
Major John Clark with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said flames were seen that are taller than trees.
Emergency response officials from the following agencies worked the fire:
- o Charleston County Government:
- - Awendaw Fire Department
- - Emergency Management Department
- - EMS
- - Sheriff's Office
- - Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad
- o Alvin Fire
- o American Red Cross
- o Berkeley County Fire
- o Bonneau (Berkeley County)
- o City of Charleston Fire
- o Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy
- o Forestry: federal, state and local
- o Georgetown County Fire
- o Isle of Palms
- o James Island Fire
- o Jamestown Fire
- o Lake Moultrie Fire
- o Macadonia (Berkeley County)
- o Mount Pleasant Fire and Police
- o Myrtle Beach Public Safety
- o North Charleston Fire
- o Santee Circle Fire
- o St. Andrews Fire
- o St. John's Fire
- o Shulerville Fire
- o Sullivan's Island Fire
- o Summerville Fire
- o Whitesville Fire
