Latest news with #StephanieWomacks
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Horry County, state officials lift burn bans but urge continued caution with outdoor fires
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Outdoor burning is once again allowed in Horry County and across South Carolina after local and state authorities lifted a ban that had been in place in some areas for more than a month because of a threat of wildfires. Horry County officials and the South Carolina Forest Commission lifted the ban at noon on Wednesday while reminding residents that they still must follow local and state burning laws. 'Even when the burn ban is not in place, we ask for consideration and due diligence when actively involved in open burning,' the county said. 'Always remember to lean on the side of safety, and do not burn in windy or dry conditions.' Horry County's ban was initiated in late March before the start of the Covington Drive Wildfire in Carolina Forest, which has continued to smolder. The Forestry Commission lifted its statewide ban on Monday but kept it in place in Horry and five other counties until Wednesday's announcement that outdoor burning could resume. County officials said that even though open burning is legal again, people still must contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 800-986-5404 before starting to burn. The county has more information about rules and regulations on its website. The Forestry Commission initiated the statewide ban on March 21 because of dangerously low relative humidity and gusty winds. Improved weather conditions led to the ban being lifted. 'Tremendous progress has been made on containing the two wildfires making up the Table Rock Complex in Greenville and Pickens counties, which will allow the release of resources to return to their home units for response to new wildfire ignitions,' the Forestry Commission said on Wednesday. 'The Table Rock Complex and the Covington Drive Fire continue to be monitored using local resources. Officials also warned that conditions could change. 'Underlying conditions still warrant the need to be extremely vigilant when burning outdoors, as above-average fire danger and activity is expected through April, which has historically seen the worst, most damaging and costly wildfires in South Carolina,' the Foresty Commission said. 'Anyone who burns outdoors and allows their fire to escape will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.' In Horry County, authorities have charged Alexandra Bialousow, 40, in connection with the Covington Drive fire. State officials allege that she failed to use proper precautions to prevent a March 1 debris burn in her backyard from escaping. The fire eventually covered 2,059 acres. Four teens were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly starting a wildfire at Table Rock State Park on March 21. The fire began while Pickens County deputies were searching for Stephanie Womacks, a hiker who was last seen on March 3. The fires across the state also prompted a Myrtle Beach lawmaker to lead for sticker penalties for those who violate public burning rules and regulations. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hiker Stephanie Womacks vanished while visiting Table Rock, what's status of her case
Stephanie Womacks disappeared on March 3 while visiting Table Rock State Park with a family member. Authorities have utilized drones and K-9 units to cover the vast area in their intensive search efforts to find the 52-year-old woman, according to a press release from the Pickens County Sheriff's Office. Multiple agencies, including the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, Anderson County Emergency Management, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, the Greenville County Emergency Response Team, the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, and the Oconee County Emergency Services, have also assisted in the search for missing hiker Womacks at Table Rock State Park. The search effort was supported by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina State Park Service, South Carolina Task Force 1 and 6, Foothills Search and Rescue, and Carolina Search and Rescue. "Despite our efforts, we have pursued every available lead and utilized every resource at our disposal," Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship said. "However, we are unable to locate Womacks. "Her disappearance is not suspected to be the result of foul play," he said. The search for missing Stephanie Womacks was called off after the Table Rock wildfire ignited on Friday, March 21, according to a press release from the Pickens County Sheriff's Office. Deputies initially discovered the blaze while searching for Womacks. The fire's rapid spread has made it unsafe for search teams to continue their efforts in the area. The Table Rock Fire is now estimated to be 8,679 acres, growing almost exclusively on the northern and western sides of the fire, according to infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The fire burned up the North Carolina state line in several places. "The Womacks family has been completely cooperative and unwavering in their support of our search efforts," Blankenship said. "They remain hopeful. While our large group's official efforts have concluded, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office remains committed to assisting in any way possible." Womack's missing person case is an ongoing investigation, according to the Pickens County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office confirmed that all current updates regarding the search and rescue operation for Stephanie Womacks have been released. Any new information will be provided as soon as it becomes available, according to officials. In the meantime, authorities continue focusing on the search for Womacks and the containment of the wildfire. Missing hiker Stephanie Womacks was last seen wearing a brown hoodie, jeans, and black tennis shoes. She is described as being five feet tall and weighing approximately 100 pounds. Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about search for hiker Stephanie Womacks at Table Rock
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
What started the Table Rock Fire? Wildfire now measures 4,556 acres, 0 percent containment
Four teenagers are accused of starting the Table Rock State Park fire on March 21 through negligent behavior. According to the latest infrared data from a surveillance flight, the wildfire measures 4,556 acres, nearly doubling its reach on Wednesday. The Table Rock Fire remains at 0% containment, and while no injuries have been reported, evacuation orders have been issued for affected areas. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, is leading the ongoing investigation into the Table Rock wildfire. Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship said authorities are investigating the incident. Officials have identified the suspects and are assessing potential charges against the individuals involved. A detailed description of the charges will be released later. The severity of the charges will ultimately depend on the extent of damage caused by the wildfire. According to a press release for the South Carolina Forestry Commission, deputies initially discovered the blaze while searching for missing hiker Stephanie Womacks. The search for Womacks has been called off since the Table Rock wildfire was ignited on Friday, March 21. A burn ban is in place due to the heightened risk of fire spreading in dry conditions, according to SCFC. In South Carolina, there are two types of burning bans: a State Forestry Burning Ban, declared by the Forestry Commission director, and a Governor's Burning Ban, proclaimed by the governor upon recommendation by the state forester. Following the State Forester's recommendation, SC Gov. Henry McMaster declared a governor's burning ban during the Table Rock wildfire. McMaster urged everyone to use common sense and understand that starting a fire can and will result in jail time. According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, violating such a ban can result in severe penalties. Violating either a State Forester's Ban or a Governor's Ban carries a fine of up to $200 for the first offense. The fine increases to at least $500 for second and subsequent offenses. Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What started the Table Rock State Park fire? More than 4,556 acres burn
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
LIST: Wildfires burning in Upstate South Carolina, western North Carolina
(WSPA) — Wildfires are burning in the Upstate and western North Carolina, prompting evacuations in seven counties. High winds, abnormally dry conditions and debris from Hurricane Helene have only increased difficulty for firefighting crews. Since March 21, the has burned 4,556 acres and is 0% contained. Strong winds led to the wildfire breaching firefighters' containment lines on the southern front of the fire on Wednesday. The fire began while Pickens County deputies were searching for Stephanie Womacks, a hiker who was last seen on March 3. Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship said the fire was started by the 'negligent act' of a group of teenage hikers, cutting short efforts to locate Womacks. Officials with the SC Forestry Commission said high winds, low humidity and debris left over from Hurricane Helene have aided the fire's growth. Evacuations have been announced for Pickens, Greenville and Transylvania counties. Pickens County officials said people living on the following roads should evacuate: Ashtabula Road, Asia Li Lane, Audies Camp Road, Back Park Road, Bethany Cove Drive, Bethel Terrace, Between the Lakes Road, Bird Song Trail, Blue Mountain Way, Bluff Ridge Road, Bobcat Drive, Bridle Drive, Burgess Gap Road, Busted Rock Road, Caesars Head Highway, Chaney Hill Road, Cherry Blossom Lane, Chief Outacite Lane, Cisson Ridge Road, Cold Mountain View, Compass Rose Road, Cougar Trail, Country Creek Drive, Cripple Creek Road, Crystal Creek Court, Cunne Shote Roads, Curts Way, Dogwood Mountain Road, Dry Lake Road, Duckwood Lane, Elizabeth Drive, Epworth Hill Circle, Fish Hawk Road, Gaines Lodge Road, Gnome Hill Lane, Green Acres Drive, Gum Gap Access Trail, Gum Gap Trail, Happy Acres Road, Hardin Road, Hardwood Lane, Hatchery Lane, Hemlock Lane, Hummingbird Terrace, Hunters Drive, Highway 11, Jane's lane, Kalijah Lane, Lakeside Shelter Road, Ledge Road, Lifeguard Lane, Locust Ridge, Lodge View Road, Lynne Way, Mary Fraser Way, Misty Mountain Way, Mohawk Drive, Mulligan Ford Hill Road, Old Chimney Lane, Pinnacle Pavilion Road, Prayer Mountain Road, Pumpkin Lane, Pumpkin Mountain Road, Rainfall Court, Raven Cliff Road, Raven Court, Rescue Access Road, Ridge Springs Road, River Bluff Road, River Road, Rockcrest Road, Rockcrest Ridge, Rockview Court, Rocky Road, S Saluda Road, Saluda Hill Road, Saluda Shore Drive, Scenic Circle, Shepherd Springs Drive, Shop Road, State Line Road, T R Campground Road, Trinity Trail, Turkey Mountain Road, Tuscarora Loop, Unnamed Road, Walker Creed Drive, Wayside Drive, Weaver Creek Trail, Wesley Meadow Lane, West Gate Road, White Oaks Lane, Wild Brook Drive, Winding Trail, Windward Court and Wotawok Trail. The state forestry commission said evacuees can call the Table Rock Public Information Line at (864) 467-3428 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The in Greenville County was first reported on Sunday night. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the fire has burned 1,553 acres and is 0% contained. Officials said that late afternoon reports indicate fire has grown in size from 1,553 acres, but officials did not specify by how much. The fire expanded its eastern, western and southern perimeters, jumping west of Highway 276 and south of Persimmon Ridge Road. The fire was caused by people in the area of Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, southeast of Caesars Head State Park. Details of how the fire started are unclear. Greenville County Emergency Management said evacuations are in effect due to the Table Rock Fire and Persimmon Ridge fire being so close to one another. Greenville County Emergency Services issued mandatory, immediate evacuations for the following areas in the county: Asbury Drive, Bell Drive, Birchbend, Bowers Road, Boy Scout Road, Bridge View Court, Burgess Road, Caesars Head Drive, Caesars Head Highway, Caesars Point, Canyon Crest Trail, Chestnut Blf, Church of God Circle, Citivan Camp Road, Cliff Ridge Court, Cliff Ridge Drive, Club Terrace Drive, Columbine Way, Conifer Falls Road, Copperline Drive, Cross Road, Delphinium Court, Denford Cove, Duckworth Road, Durango Place, Echo Drive, Echo Drive Extension, Emerald Crest Lane, Foxglove Place, Geer Highway, Gintomo Road, Greylogs Trail, Hagood Road, Hemlock Trail, Howard Street, Hugh Smith Road, Highway 11, Indian Trail, Jack Ray Road, Jennings Mill Road, Jones Gap Road, La Plata Lane, Lakemont Road, larkspur Court, Larkspur Lane, Laurel Drive, Lawton Road, Lawton Road Extension, Look Off Drive, Matthews Creek Lane, Mountain Laurel, Mountain Laurel Drive, North Lake Drive, Nugget Ridge Lane, Oil Camp Creek Road, Old Springfield Road, Old U.S. 276, Pagosa Trail, Persimmon Ridge Road, Pinnacle Lake Road, Pinnacle Lake Road Extension, Pipe Line Lane, Point of View Lane, Punctatum Place, Ragsdale Road, Remickville Drive, Rhododendron, River Falls Road, River Rock Court, Rosemond Road, Saluda Hill Church Road, Sandia Lane, Sevenbark Lane, Sky Ranche Road, Sourwood Lane, Southside Drive, Spring Park Drive, Sunrise Drive, Table Rock Road, Table Rock Road Extension, Trails End, Treasure Trail, Trillium Way, Upper Oil Camp, Verbena Place, Wild Drive, Wildcat Road, Wind River Trail, Woodbine, Woods Pond Court and YMCA Camp Road. Residents evacuating from Pickens and Greenville counties can go to Marietta First Baptist Church at 2936 Geer Highway in Marietta. According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, 170 personnel from SCFC, SC State Fire, Greenville Emergency Management, Pickens County Emergency Management, SCDNR, SLED, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Greenville Water and dozens of local fire departments helped work to tackle the fire on Wednesday. A statewide burning ban remains in effect for South Carolina, meaning all outside burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires are prohibited until further notice. Multiple wildfires started in Polk County last week. So far, the has burned 3,052 acres and is 17% contained. Evacuations have been announced for Polk and Henderson counties. The fire was started by a downed power line around 2 p.m. on March 19. The blaze has destroyed seven homes and significantly damaged one. Seven outbuildings were also destroyed in the fire. Officials said the fire remains active in the steeper parts of Green River Gorge. The burned 3,231 acres and is 11% contained. Evacuations have been announced for Polk and Henderson counties. The NC Forest Service said the Deep Woods fire is burning on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and the Holbert Cove community around five miles northwest of Columbus. Officials said one home and three outbuildings have been destroyed. The is the smallest and most contained of the ongoing wildfires in the county. The fire has burned 199 acres, but is 86% contained. Three homes and one outbuilding have been destroyed. No evacuations have been announced for the Fish Hook fire at this time. The fire was caused by a downed power line. Polk County residents that have been evacuated can go to 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus. Evacuated Henderson County residents can go to the Henderson County Parks & Recreation Athletics and Activities Center at 708 South Grove Street in Hendersonville. Transylvania County Chairman Jason Chappell declared a state of emergency after both of the fires moved closer to the county on Tuesday. Mandated evacuations were announced Tuesday night, for residents in the Big Hill Community, Glady Fork Road, Lake Honda and the Happy Acres area. As of Wednesday night, 758 structures are being evacuated in the southern parts of the county. A curfew is in place from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for residents living south of Highway 276 to the state line and south of Staton Road and the gravel part of Cascade Lake Road. Crews are going door-to-door to alert residents of the evacuations. Evacuees are asked to go to the county Parks and Recreation building at 1078 Ecusta Road in Brevard. A has burned 1,000 acres, county officials said Wednesday. According to Swain County Emergency management, three roads in the county are under evacuation. The fire is 0% contained at this time. The cause of the fire is unknown. The Rattlesnake Branch fire is currently burning in Haywood County. So far, the fire has burned 175 acres and is 0% contained. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire started on state land Wednesday afternoon near Cruso Road. Officials said the fire has crossed into the Pisgah National Forest. The Shining Rock Wilderness area is closed; visitors have been evacuated from the area. The wildfire is affecting travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway from mile marker 405 to mile marker 420. People have been asked to avoid the area; there are currently no active evacuations. Officials have not yet said what caused the fire. A wildfire is burning at South Winds Drive near Highway 221. The size of the fire is unknown. According to Rutherford County Emergency Management, the fire has been roughly contained as of 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Evacuations are in effect for residents of South Winds Drive and Davenport Road in Rutherfordton. An emergency shelter is located at First Presbyterian Church at 252 N. Washington Street. A 60-acre wildfire is burning in the Dix Creek and Leicester area of Buncombe County. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire is 0% contained. Crews responded to the scene and have asked that people avoid the area. The Monteith Branch brush fire was first reported around 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. So far, the fire has burned 50 acres and is 0% contained. The fire is near Skyland Drive in Sylva. No evacuations have been announced at this time. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, a wildfire burned 15 acres near Hart Lankford Road. The fire was 100% contained, as of 5:57 p.m. Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
LIST: Wildfires burning in the Upstate, WNC, Georgia
(WSPA) — Wildfires are burning in the Upstate, western North Carolina, and Georgia prompting evacuations in seven counties. High winds, abnormally dry conditions and debris from Hurricane Helene have only increased difficulty for firefighting crews. Since March 21, the has burned 2,293 acres and is 0% contained. The fire began while Pickens County deputies were searching for Stephanie Womacks, a hiker who was last seen on March 3. Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship said the fire was started by the 'negligent act' of a group of teenage hikers, cutting short efforts to locate Womacks. Officials with the SC Forestry Commission said high winds, low humidity and debris left over from Hurricane Helene have aided the fire's growth. Evacuations have been announced for Pickens, Greenville and Transylvania counties. The in Greenville County was first reported on Sunday night. So far, the fire has burned 996 acres and is 0% contained. According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the fire was caused by people in the area of Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, southeast of Caesars Head State Park. Details regarding how the fire started are unclear. Greenville County Emergency Management said evacuations are in effect due to the Table Rock Fire and Persimmon Ridge fire being so close to one another. Residents evacuating from Pickens and Greenville counties can go to Marietta First Baptist Church Multiple wildfires started in Polk County last week. So far, the has burned 3,046 acres and is 0% contained. Evacuations have been announced for Polk and Henderson counties. The fire was started by a downed power line around 2 p.m. on March 19. The burned 2,923 acres and is 0% contained. Evacuations have been announced for Polk and Henderson counties. The NC Forest Service said the Deep Woods fire is burning on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge and the Holbert Cove community around five miles northwest of Columbus. The is the smallest and most contained of the ongoing wildfires in the county. The fire has burned 199 acres, but is 72% contained. No evacuations have been announced for the Fish Hook fire at this time. The fire was caused by a downed power line. Polk County residents that have been evacuated can go to 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus. Evacuated Henderson County residents can go to the Henderson County Parks & Recreation Athletics and Activities Center at 708 South Grove Street in Hendersonville. A has burned 1,000 acres, county officials said Wednesday. According to Swain County Emergency management, three roads in the county are under evacuation. The fire is 0% contained at this time. The cause of the fire is unknown. The Rattlesnake Branch fire is currently burning in Haywood County. So far, the fire has burned 75 acres and is 0% contained. There are currently no evacuations in effect. Officials have not yet said what caused the fire. A wildfire is burning at South Winds Drive near Highway 221. The size of the fire is unknown. According to Rutherford County Emergency Management, the fire has been roughly contained as of 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Evacuations are in effect for residents of South Winds Drive and Davenport Road in Rutherfordton. An emergency shelter is located at First Presbyterian Church at 252 N. Washington Street. A 25-acre wildfire is burning in the Dix Creek and Leicester area of Buncombe County. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire is 0% contained. Crews responded to the scene and have asked that people avoid the area. The Monteith Branch brush fire was first reported around 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. So far, the fire has burned 20 acres and is 0% contained. The fire is near Skyland Drive in Sylva. No evacuations have been announced at this time. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, a wildfire has burned 15 acres near Hart Lankford Road. The fire is 0% contained at this time. The Hart County Sheriff's Office urged drivers to avoid Lankford Road between Bowersville Highway and Adamstown Road. The road is closed due to the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
