Wildfire — Charleston, South Carolina

2011-03-23 to 2011-03-25 · Charleston, South Carolina

Event narrative

The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported a large wildfire started on March 23 in northern Charleston County, 5 miles north-northeast of McClellanville, South Carolina. The wildfire was fully contained on March 25. The wildfire burned 2600 acres over the 3 day period, resulting in the destruction of 16 non-residential structures, evacuation of the Germantown and Santee Communities, the opening of a shelter at the St. James-Santee Elementary School, and the closure of Highway 17 from Highway 45 north to the Charleston/Georgetown County line. Damages as a result of the wildfire were estimated between 1.5 and 2 million dollars.

Wider weather episode

Warm temperatures in combination with low relative humidity values and breezy conditions, resulted in conditions favorable for wildfire starts in southern South Carolina.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 294183. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.