Covington Drive Compact



1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Covington Drive wildfire started on March 1, 2025, in the area of the Covington Lakes Subdivision, near Linhurst Road and Highway 746 in Loris, South Carolina. It is believed to have originated from a fire pit in a residential yard[1][2][3]. **Size and Containment** As of March 10, 2025, the fire has burned 2,059 acres and is 55% contained[1][2][3]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** Initially reported as a 20-acre wildfire, it quickly spread due to dry conditions and gusty winds. Despite the initial rapid growth, containment efforts have slowed the fire's spread, with crews focusing on constructing additional firebreaks and performing mop-up activities[2][3]. **Containment Efforts** The Florida Forest Service Incident Management Team (IMT) has assumed command of the fire, working alongside the South Carolina Forestry Commission, Horry County Fire Rescue, and other assisting agencies. Aerial assets are being used to drop water on hot spots, and bulldozer operators are clearing paths for ground crews to perform mop-up activities[2][3][4].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuation Orders and Warnings** While specific evacuation orders are not detailed in the latest reports, residents in the vicinity of the fire have been advised to be prepared and to follow any instructions from local authorities. There have been no reports of mandatory evacuations, but residents are cautioned about the ongoing fire activity[2][3]. **Evacuation Shelters and Information** No specific evacuation shelters have been mentioned, but residents are encouraged to stay informed through local updates and to follow the instructions of emergency responders. **Road Closures** There are no specific road closures mentioned in the recent updates, but residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel in the affected areas to allow firefighters to work effectively[2][3]. **For more information, visit:** - [Horry County Fire Rescue Updates]: https://www.horrycountysc.gov/news/articles/saturday-afternoon-carolina-forest-area-wildfire-update/ - [South Carolina Public Radio]: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2025-03-10/covington-drive-wildfire-now-55-contained - [ABC News 4]: https://abcnews4.com/newsletter-daily/covington-drive-fire-remains-at-55-containment-hotspots-in-carolina-bays-wetlands-horry-county-ssouth-carolina-team-members-wildfire-rescue-update

3. Current Impact

**Injuries and Fatalities** There have been no significant injuries or fatalities reported as a result of the Covington Drive wildfire. The collective efforts of the firefighting teams have ensured that no homes have been lost to the fire[3]. **Structures Impacted** All structures near the fire ground are being protected, and no significant damage to homes has been reported[3]. **Power Outages** There are no reports of power outages directly related to the wildfire. **Notable Impacts** The fire has had a moderate impact on air quality, with officials advising those sensitive to smoke to reduce outdoor activities and stay indoors if symptoms arise[1][2][3].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** Despite being 55% contained, the fire remains active, with crews continuing to attack flare-ups and hot spots. The incoming rain is expected to help supplemental efforts, but full containment and extinguishment will take some time[2][3][4]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** The area has experienced gusty winds and dry conditions, but recent rainfall has temporarily eased these conditions. A burn ban remains in place for unincorporated areas of Horry County to prevent further wildfires[2][3].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The wildfire is believed to have originated from a residential yard debris burn in a fire pit near a tree line within the Covington Lakes Subdivision. A 40-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach has been arrested and charged in connection with the fire for allegedly starting it without proper precautions[1][2][3]. **Weather and Climate** The fire has been fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, which are common in the region during this time. The recent rainfall has provided some relief, but the ongoing dry fuels and potential for future gusty winds remain a concern[1][2][3].

Citations

['https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2025-03-10/covington-drive-wildfire-now-55-contained', 'https://abcnews4.com/newsletter-daily/covington-drive-fire-remains-at-55-containment-hotspots-in-carolina-bays-wetlands-horry-county-ssouth-carolina-team-members-wildfire-rescue-update', 'https://www.horrycountysc.gov/news/articles/saturday-afternoon-carolina-forest-area-wildfire-update/', 'https://www.wltx.com/article/news/regional/south-carolina-wildfire-crew-support-forest-service-2025/101-71bc9bf1-f456-4ce5-a82e-dcfdcfbdc204']