More than 170 wildfires were burning across North and South Carolina this week, forcing people from their homes and impacting air quality in many communities. Dry conditions, high winds, and ample fuel were creating ideal fire conditions across the region, including in neighboring Georgia, where the state’s forestry commission reported 137 fires burning in the state.

In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday and also issued a statewide burn ban on outdoor fires.

A 1,600-acre blaze was reported in Horry County, which includes Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The fire was 30 percent contained on Monday, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

The area was experiencing thick smoke from fire activity in the Carolina Forest area, according to Horry County Fire Rescue, and South Carolina’s Department of Environmental Services issued an air quality alert on Monday.

The agency recommended that individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spent outdoors, move all activities indoors to avoid smoke or fine particulates, and keep windows and doors closed.

Fires were burning in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, with one caused by a downed power line, according to Saluda Fire and Rescue, first responders for the mountain community south of Asheville. Several communities now threatened by wildfires in western North Carolina are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which brought destructive floods and high winds, leaving behind extensive debris and fragile landscapes.

Direct Relief and Wildfires

Direct Relief frequently responds to health needs created by wildfires, including respiratory issues from poor air quality, lack of medication access for evacuees forced to leave home without an adequate supply of critical therapies like insulin, as well as medicines and supplies to healthcare in shelter settings and mobile clinics.

The organization has provided more than $551 million worth of medical support to North and South Carolina since 2008, including Hurricane Helene emergency response to many communities in the western parts of both states.

In response to the wildfires, Direct Relief is reaching out to health centers, free clinics, primary care associations, and more to assess medical needs.

The organization will continue to provide as the response continues.