BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents near the Horse Island Fire in the Francis Marion National Forest, but officials are urging those living nearby to remain alert as the wildfire continues to grow.
The fire, burning about two miles east of Shulerville, expanded from approximately 15 acres Saturday evening to an estimated 550 acres overnight, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Residents on Cane Swamp Lane and Tiger Corner Road are now allowed to remain in their homes, but officials are advising them to stay aware of fire activity and be prepared to leave if directed by law enforcement.
The Horse Island Fire was discovered around 4 p.m. Saturday and continues to burn in a remote swamp filled with heavy vegetation, making firefighting efforts difficult. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
Crews spent Sunday using bulldozers to construct fuel breaks where terrain allows and conducting strategic firing operations to widen those barriers. Firefighters are working to hold the fire along its western edge as it slowly backs south toward Horse Island Road (Forest Service Road 162). Crews are also securing spot fires north of the main blaze while searching for additional flare-ups.
The firefighting response has grown significantly since the fire was first reported. Thirty U.S. Forest Service firefighters are now being assisted by 25 firefighters from North Berkeley Fire, South Berkeley Fire and Awendaw-McClellanville Fire District. Berkeley County Emergency Management, Berkeley County EMS and the Berkeley County Radio Shop are also supporting the response.
Motorists are urged to use caution on Horse Island Road (Forest Service Road 162) and Forest Service Road 177, where firefighting personnel and equipment remain active.
Officials are again reminding the public not to fly drones near the wildfire. Any unauthorized drone activity would force firefighting aircraft to remain grounded, delaying suppression efforts and creating additional safety risks.
Although evacuation orders have been lifted, smoke is expected to remain an issue for surrounding communities. The Forest Service said unusually dry soil conditions are allowing the fire to burn deep into underground organic material, producing dense smoke that could persist even after flames are brought under control.
No injuries or damaged structures have been reported. Firefighters are expected to remain on scene as containment efforts continue.
