Smokey haze still blankets parts of the Carolinas as crews battle dozens of wildfires

Even as conditions improved, heavy smoke persisted Monday across the Carolinas as firefighters battle wildfires scorching parts of the region.

Even as conditions improved, heavy smoke persisted Monday across the Carolinas as firefighters battle wildfires scorching parts of the region. “There is heavy, low-hanging smoke blanketed across the area this morning,” South Carolina’s Horry County Fire Rescue said in a Facebook post. “This will limit some visibility for motorists and residents.” The Carolina Forest Fire, about five miles north of Myrtle Beach, a popular tourist area, is estimated to be 1,600 acres and 30% contained, the South Carolina Forestry Commission said. Horry County Fire Rescue personnel were conducting reconnaissance Monday at the scene of the fire and from above with drones. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were conducting fire suppression missions and a CH-47 Chinook has also been mobilized, according to the South Carolina National Guard. The forestry commission continued to assist the local crews on the ground and with water support from airplanes, the fire and rescue department said.