TABLE ROCK

1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Table Rock Fire started on March 21, 2025, in Table Rock State Park, located 4 miles northeast of Sunset, South Carolina, in Pickens County[1][2][5]. **Size and Containment** As of the latest updates, the Table Rock Fire has burned 13,845 acres and is now 91% contained. The Table Rock Complex, which includes the Table Rock Fire and the Persimmon Ridge Fire, totals 15,923 acres (13,845 acres from the Table Rock Fire and 2,078 acres from the Persimmon Ridge Fire)[5]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** Initially, the fire spread rapidly due to dry and windy conditions, as well as the presence of large amounts of dead and downed material from previous wildfires and hurricane damage. The fire jumped the border into North Carolina, affecting Transylvania County. However, recent rainfall has significantly reduced fire behavior, with the fire now mostly smoldering and producing occasional light smoke[1][2][3]. **Containment Efforts** Fire crews from multiple states have been involved in battling the blaze. Containment efforts have been aided by recent rainfall, allowing firefighters to conduct burnouts and extensive groundwork to contain the fire. The South Carolina Forestry Commission, along with other agencies, has been leading the response efforts[1][2][3].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Orders and Warnings** Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for over 1,400 homes and businesses, particularly in areas near Table Rock Mountain and Persimmon Ridge. However, as of Monday, these evacuation orders have been rescinded due to progress in containing the fires[1][3]. **Evacuation Shelters and Information** While specific shelter locations are not detailed in the latest updates, residents were advised to follow evacuation orders and seek shelter as necessary. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office played a significant role in enforcing these orders and ensuring public safety[1][3]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - Road closures were implemented to allow firefighters to work safely, but specific road closures are not detailed in the latest reports. However, it is mentioned that patrols will continue to support fire crews by securing specific entrances[3]. **For more information, visit:** - [InciWeb's Table Rock Complex Information]: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/scscs-2025-table-rock-complex - [South Carolina Forestry Commission Updates]: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2025-03-31/much-of-the-table-rock-complex-fires-are-now-contained-charges-imminent - [ABC News: Table Rock Fire Updates]: https://abcnews.go.com/US/massive-south-carolina-wildfire-jumps-border-spreads-north/story?id=120315594

3. Current Impact

**Impacts:** **Injuries and Fatalities** There are no reported fatalities or injuries directly attributed to the Table Rock Fire in the latest updates[1][2][3]. **Structures Impacted** The exact number of structures damaged or destroyed is not specified, but the fire has had a significant impact on the areas around Table Rock State Park and Caesars Head State Park[1][2][3]. **School and Business Closures** No specific information on school or business closures is provided in the recent updates, but it is likely that some disruptions occurred during the peak of the fire[1][3]. **Notable Impacts** The fire has been the largest in Upstate South Carolina's history, surpassing the 2016 Pinnacle Mountain fire. The fire's impact on local communities has been substantial, with significant efforts from emergency services and fire crews[1][3]. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages** There is no mention of power outages directly related to the Table Rock Fire in the latest reports. **Water Safety** No specific water safety concerns have been reported. **Burn Bans** Given the extreme fire danger, burn bans are likely in effect, although not explicitly mentioned in the recent updates. **Air Quality** Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, but recent rainfall has reduced fire activity and smoke production[2][3].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** With the fire now 91% contained, firefighters are optimistic about full containment. However, they remain vigilant due to potential changes in weather conditions. Recent rainfall has been crucial in reducing fire behavior, and further rain is expected to help in extinguishing the flames[2][3][5]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** A line of thunderstorms moved through the area, bringing beneficial rainfall but also posing a threat of severe weather, including damaging winds and potential hail. Future weather conditions include the possibility of another upslope pattern and thunderstorms, which could affect fire behavior[2][3].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The cause of the Table Rock Fire is currently under investigation, but it is suspected to have been started by a group of teenagers due to negligent behavior[1][3]. **Weather and Climate** The fire has been fueled by extreme dry conditions, high winds, and the presence of large amounts of dead and downed material from previous wildfires and hurricane damage. Recent rainfall has significantly aided in containing the fire, but the area remains prone to fire due to the critically dry fuels and the potential for future severe weather conditions[1][2][3].

Citations

['https://abcnews.go.com/US/massive-south-carolina-wildfire-jumps-border-spreads-north/story?id=120315594', 'https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/scscs-2025-table-rock-complex', 'https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2025-03-31/much-of-the-table-rock-complex-fires-are-now-contained-charges-imminent', 'https://greenvillejournal.com/outdoors-recreation/table-rock-wildfire-from-a-personal-perspective-field-notes-with-dennis-chastain/', 'http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/scscs-2025-table-rock-complex']