TABLE ROCK

1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Table Rock Fire began on March 21, 2025, at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina, while the Persimmon Ridge Fire started on March 22, 2025, in the same general area[3][4][5]. **Size and Containment** - The Table Rock Fire has burned 13,287 acres in South Carolina and 635 acres in North Carolina, totaling 13,922 acres. As of the latest update, the fire is 30% contained[3][4][5]. - The Persimmon Ridge Fire has burned 2,078 acres and is 74% contained[3]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** Initially, the fires grew rapidly due to dry and windy conditions, as well as the presence of downed trees and limbs from previous storms like Hurricane Helene. However, recent rainfall has significantly reduced fire activity, allowing firefighters to make progress in containing the blazes[1][3][5]. **Containment Efforts** Firefighters have been working round-the-clock, constructing control lines, conducting burnouts, and utilizing air operations to map and extinguish hotspots. The Southern Area Blue Complex Incident Management Team, in unified command with various state and local agencies, is managing the response efforts[3].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Orders** All mandatory evacuations in Greenville County have been reduced to voluntary, and all voluntary evacuations in Pickens County have been lifted. No evacuations are currently in place for Transylvania County, NC[3]. **Evacuation Shelters and Information** While specific shelter information is not provided in the latest updates, residents were previously advised to follow evacuation orders and seek shelter as necessary. The evacuation orders have largely been rescinded due to progress in containing the fires[1][3]. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - There are no current mandatory road closures, but residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to allow firefighters to work effectively. Patrols continue to support fire crews by securing specific entrances[1][3]. **For more information, visit:** - [InciWeb Table Rock Complex Daily Update]: http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/scscs-2025-table-rock-complex/table-rock-complex-daily-update-04-01-2025 - [South Carolina Public Radio Updates]: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2025-03-31/much-of-the-table-rock-complex-fires-are-now-contained-charges-imminent - [WLOS News Updates]: https://wlos.com/news/local/3-teenagers-men-arrested-allegedly-causing-table-rock-fire-south-carolina-acres-burning-park-cigarette-sheriff-law-enforcement-trail

3. Current Impact

**Impacts:** **Injuries and Fatalities** There are no reported fatalities or injuries directly attributed to the Table Rock Complex fires in the latest updates[1][3][5]. **Structures Impacted** No specific numbers of structures damaged or destroyed are provided, but the fires have had a significant impact on the natural areas and communities near Table Rock State Park and Persimmon Ridge[1][3]. **School and Business Closures** There are no current reports of school or business closures due to the fires, as evacuation orders have been largely lifted[1][3]. **Notable Impacts** The fires have affected areas with significant natural and recreational value, including Table Rock State Park. The emotional toll on residents and the environmental impact are substantial[2][3]. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages** There are no reported power outages directly related to the fires. **Water Safety** No specific water safety concerns have been reported. **Burn Bans** A burning ban remains in effect for Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Horry counties in South Carolina, prohibiting all outdoor burning. A statewide ban on open burning is also in place for all counties in North Carolina[3]. **Air Quality** Smoke from the fires may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to monitor local air quality advisories[1][3].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** Firefighters anticipate continued progress in containing the fires, especially with the recent rainfall aiding their efforts. However, drying conditions are expected to return, which may increase smoke and fire activity. Containment efforts are ongoing, with a focus on securing control lines and extinguishing hotspots[3]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** Recent rainfall has helped reduce fire activity, but sunny conditions with low humidity are expected to return. Temperatures will be in the low 70s with relative humidity near 30%, and winds will be light and variable. These conditions may lead to increased smoke from smoldering debris[3].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The Table Rock Fire was allegedly started by three teenagers who failed to properly extinguish their cigarettes while smoking on a hiking trail at Table Rock State Park. They have been charged with negligently allowing fire to spread to lands or property of another[4][5]. **Weather and Climate** The fires were significantly fueled by dry and windy conditions, as well as the presence of downed trees and limbs from previous storms like Hurricane Helene. Recent rainfall has been crucial in aiding containment efforts, but ongoing dry and sunny weather conditions continue to pose challenges for firefighters[1][3][5].

Citations

['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-publication/scscs-2025-table-rock-complex/table-rock-complex-daily-update-04-01-2025', 'https://wlos.com/news/local/3-teenagers-men-arrested-allegedly-causing-table-rock-fire-south-carolina-acres-burning-park-cigarette-sheriff-law-enforcement-trail', 'https://www.foxnews.com/us/south-carolina-arrests-3-young-men-allegedly-starting-wildfire-after-failing-extinguish-cigarettes']