The South Carolina Forestry Commission plans to step up firefighting efforts on the Hardwick Road Fire in Horry County due to increased activity.
Hot, dry weather has negated any benefits from prior rainfall on the area, according to SCFC Public Information Director Scott Hawkins.
The fire is contained at this time, however the Forestry Commission says smoke will continue to be a problem in the area of Highway 22 and Hardwick Road for the next couple of days.
Drivers and residents should also expect to see more traffic involving emergency vehicles as both Horry County Fire Rescue and the Forestry Commission move in more heavy equipment.
Additional firefighters and support personnel are expected to start helping Monday.
Hawkins says the duration of the fire is putting a strain on SCFC resources not only in Horry County, but in surrounding counties as well.
SCFC and Horry County have been fighting the fire since it was started by a lightning strike on June 14.
