Thursday updates on wildfires at Table Rock, Persimmon Ridge; crews work to contain fire spread

The fires at the Table Rock State Park in Pickens County and Persimmon Ridge in northern Greenville County have been burning for six days.

According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, on Wednesday, there was a new round of evacuations and the rapid expansion of both wildfires for the second straight day.

The Table Rock Fire nearly doubled in size Wednesday, measuring 4,556 acres, according to infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight at 2 p.m., according to the SCFC.

The Persimmon Ridge Fire grew to 1,553 acres Wednesday, according to infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight Wednesday at 2 p.m., according to SCFC.

SC State Fire now has 148 firefighters on the scene through Firefighter Mobilization, according to SCFC. The agency’s contingent includes five special-purpose vehicles (UTVs and others), 20 engine companies, nine tankers, 19 brush trucks, and three battalion vehicles.

Five State Fire staff are on scene, along with two communication technicians from SC-TF1.

Pickens County Facebook live update on fire on Friday

According to a Pickens SC social media post, Pickens County Administrator Ken Roper will provide a video update on the county's response to the Table Rock fire and the resources available to those impacted.

It will be streamed on the Pickens SC Facebook page live Friday, March 28, at 9 a.m.

Donations for wildfire first responders needed

The Pickens County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for donations for first responders.

In a social media post, they wrote: "We currently have an average of 400 first responders working the Table Rock Complex Fire. We would like to open back up the request for citizen donations consisting of the list below:

• Gold Bond
• Mole Skin
• Safety Glasses/Goggles
• Bandanas
• Duct Tape
• Super Glue
• Mouthwash (Travel Size)
• Dude Wipes
• Brown Lunch bags (#12)
• Little Debbie Cakes
• Napkins
• Protein-Rich Snacks
• Eye Drops
• Nasal Spray
• Dry Mouth Lozenges
• Liquid IV/Electrolyte Packets

Please take all donations to the Market at The Mill, 225 Pumpkintown Hwy, Pickens. It will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Signs will be posted to direct you to the drop-off location.

Cleveland Park Animal Hospital opens doors to evacuated pets

In a social media post, Cleveland Park Animal Hospital wrote, "Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the current wildfires. If you or someone you know is being forced to evacuate and can’t bring your pets along, we’re here to help.

"We’re offering free boarding for pets displaced by the wildfires. If your pet isn’t up to date on vaccinations, don’t worry—we’ll provide those at no cost, too.

"Our priority is supporting our community—both people and pets—through this incredibly difficult time. If you need a safe place for your animals, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re ready to help."

The post thanks Merck Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., and Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their contributions.

For the Greenville location, call 864-242-3300, and for the Simpsonville location, call 864-963-8025.

SC Gov. McMaster to visit Table Rock

Gov. Henry McMaster will hold a media briefing with state emergency management officials on Friday, March 28, at 11:15 a.m., to update the public on the state's response to the Table Rock Complex Fire.

SCETV will provide live stream coverage on their website.

Terry Benjamin

What started the Table Rock Fire?

The Table Rock State Park wildfire, allegedly started by teenagers, has grown to 4,556 acres and is at 0% containment.

A burn ban was in effect at the time of the fire, which was discovered during the search for a missing hiker.

Authorities have identified the teenagers allegedly involved and are assessing potential charges.

Violating a burn ban in South Carolina can result in fines of up to $200 for the first offense and at least $500 for subsequent offenses.

Read the story here.

Travis Rose

Wildfire weather outlook: When will it rain in Upstate SC, Western NC? Here's what NWS says

"We've had a lot of questions about (rain putting out wildfires)," said Ashley Rehnburg with the NWS. "Unfortunately, we can't say there's a certain amount of rain that we would get or need to get in order to put the fires out."

The combination of low relative humidity, gusty winds, and dry fuels will keep the potential for increased fire danger in place Friday and possibly Saturday.

Read the weather forecast here.

Nina Tran

Pumpkintown woman: Pray that no one dies

Lori McGrew, 55, from Pumpkintown, said people hope and pray that no one dies in the wildfires. 

“No lives have been lost, thank God. We are all praying for the firefighters and everybody's hoping everything goes great. We appreciate everybody that's coming in and helping. We hope that maybe they can get some more people in and help contain the fire and get it under control,” McGrew said.

McGrew's sister, Mary, has a house near the fires. She said they’ve seen travelers visit to take photos of the fires and think it could obstruct first responders’ efforts. 

“It's been pretty worrisome. People should stay out of the way. Let the cops and firefighters do their job,” McGrew said.

Terry Benjamin

How to report a wildfire

The South Carolina Forestry Commission offered tips on how to report a wildfire.

If you see a wildfire, call 1-800-777-FIRE (3473).

Be prepared to give the dispatcher: 

• Your name
• Your telephone number
• The specific location of the fire
• Any other information that might be helpful.

When reporting any emergency, try to be calm and speak clearly.

Wildfires can also be reported to 911 if that service is available in your county.

Greenville County Emergency Management updates on evacuations

Evacuations continue for parts of Greenville and Pickens Counties, according to Greenville County Emergency Management, specifically for Oil Camp Creek Road residents, east to River Falls Road, south to Highway 11, and west to West Gate Road.

According to their social media post:

"More than 1,400 structures have been evacuated so far. There have been no damages to homes.

"Crews are monitoring wind gusts, which are not expected to be as strong as in previous days but could still reach 10-15 mph.

"Officials are continually working to mitigate and contain the fires in the area.

Evacuation Shelter: Marietta First Baptist Church (2936 Geer Hwy, Marietta SC 29661)

For additional information about evacuations, please call the Table Rock Complex Information Line at 864-467-3428, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Greenville County Fire Department saves a horse

The City of Greenville posted this story on its Facebook page:

GCFD firefighters tasked with protecting homes and property also saved a horse.

"During his owner's emergency evacuation, Duke ran free. He stayed close to home and returned when the fire was defeated. Firefighters, including Ian Anderson, treated him to apples and head rubs. Crews informed the family that Duke and their home were safe.

"We continue to extend gratitude to GCFD crews and hundreds of other responders from across the state who are bravely battling more than 6,000 acres of wildfire in Greenville and Pickens Counties."

Persimmon Ridge Fire update

Jeff Riggin, the Persimmon Ridge Fire's operations chief, reviewed Wednesday's operations and today's game plan.

Here is what he had to say in a YouTube video:

As of Wednesday, March 26, Riggin reported that the team had completed new containment lines along Cat and Creek Roads by utilizing the existing infrastructure as a guide.

This strategic move allowed them to cover 2% of the road and effectively manage spot fires by deploying fire engines.

By containing these areas, they have made progress in preventing the fire from spreading further.

He said crews successfully maintained control over the center of the road, intercepting several spot fires with the help of engines.

"The team also managed to secure Division Tango along Hwy. 276, which prevented the fire from crossing it," he said. "Additionally, in Division Oscar, they contained multiple spot fires, reinforcing containment lines to keep the blaze within the designated boundaries.

Riggin said they are planning a potential burnout operation throughout Thursday night.

This strategy aims to guide the fire toward established firebreaks, effectively containing it within a controlled area.

By doing so, fire crews hope to prevent further spreading beyond the designated boundaries.

Travis Rose

Table Rock Complex fire update

Trey Cox, Operations Chief for the Table Rock Complex, reviewed Wednesday's operations and previewed today's game plan in a YouTube video.

Here is what he had to say:

"Fire crews are actively engaged in suppressing wildfires across several divisions within the complex. Each division is tasked with specific objectives to contain the fire and protect nearby communities."

Cox said on Wednesday, March 26, they added two more divisions to the fire, extending from the city reservoir up to the North Carolina State line.

They added Division D, which stretches from the state border to the first crossing. Additionally, Division Z was established to run along the state border to the second crossing.

This strategic move aimed to enhance their control over the fire's spread and protect the surrounding areas.

"Crews climbed up to Scout Ridge and dragged the fire down the ridge," Cox said. "The goal was to steer the fire away from the nearby community and protect the houses in the area."

"As they moved down into the trolley area, they continued to maintain control and hold the fire line," he said.

"Unfortunately, on Wednesday afternoon, we faced major weather challenges with strong winds coming down from the northwest," Cox said. "This wind event resulted in a spot fire spreading from the top ridges onto the side slope, reaching into Table Rock State Park."

"The unexpected flare-up compromised our containment efforts," Cox said. "Our teams are now prioritizing efforts to regain control in this critical area.

"Crews pulled back from the ridge to regroup and focus on structural protection efforts, particularly around the cabins in Table Rock State Park," Cox said. "They started prep work to safeguard other structures in the area in case the fire advances further."

This included clearing vegetation, setting up sprinkler systems, and coordinating with local authorities to enhance the area's defenses against flames.

Cox said most efforts are concentrated on enhancing and widening the fire breaks behind their camp to prevent further encroachment.

Thursday's plan includes further strengthening containment lines and deploying additional resources to critical zones.

Cox said they have air support on standby to help address sections of the fire advancing down the slopes.

With Thursday's forecast predicting less severe weather conditions than the previous day, Cox said they are hopeful that fire spread will be minimal.

Meanwhile, a team will continue to monitor and hold the line in Division D to ensure containment efforts remain effective.

Travis Rose

Families evacuated from wildfires

Residents have taken shelter in Marietta Baptist Church, which is offering support to evacuees.

Greenville County Emergency Management Division issued mandatory evacuations for over 50 communities along the Pickens and Greenville county borders Tuesday night.  

Wendy Clark described the past 24 hours as a whirlwind. She and her husband, Michael, left their Cleveland home in the Ceasar’s Head area near Persimmon Ridge Tuesday night and evacuated to Marietta Baptist.

“We got chaos and we’re just going round around in circles. You're just trying to make sense out of one thing to another,” Clark said Wednesday. "You hope that when they all fall, they all fall into a piece that you can fix back together.” 

Read the story here.

Terry Benjamin

Several SC counties under moderate air quality alerts due to wildfires

Greenville, Oconee, Spartanburg, and Pickens Counties are under a yellow air quality code, posing potential risks for sensitive groups.

Anderson County remains under a green air quality code, indicating acceptable air quality for most individuals.

During air quality alerts, it's advised to limit outdoor exposure, especially for sensitive groups, and avoid burning debris to prevent further air quality deterioration.

Read the entire article here.

Jordan Green

Table Rock Tea Company affected

Table Rock Tea Company nor any other businesses along the southern part of Highway 11 have seen any physical damage from the wildfire, according to Steve Lorch CEO of the longtime beverage and tourism company.  

Lorch confirmed that businesses are still open along the corridor; however, when traveling roads near the fire, alternate routes should be taken to abide by county government instructions.  

So far, Table Rock Tea Company has seen its business affected by the cancellation of group tours, which Lorch forecasted to exceed 20 percent more profit than in 2024. He says his business is still intact and will sustain itself despite the unfortunate wildfire conditions. 

A.J. Jackson

Fire containment for Table Rock, Persimmon Ridge

The fire containment is still at 0%. Welch said the main challenges are the low humidity, winds, fuel, and steep ground.  

“There's no prediction, no estimated time. It just really depends on the fire behavior and what the weather does. We're just constantly evaluating it,” Welch said. 

Terry Benjamin

Persimmon Ridge wildfire update

According to the S.C. Forestry Commission, the Persimmon Ridge Fire has grown to 1,553 acres on Thursday. The measurements are based on infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight today at 2 p.m. At this time, there is 0% fire containment. 

Terry Benjamin

Table Rock Tea Company updates followers

The Table Rock Tea Company updated its followers on social media:

"For those interested, this is the current fire status as far as the tea company is concerned. We are the blue marker. The red is the fire area and edge. The red dots are identified hot spots (these are bad because they are the nodes that can flare up). In general, the fire is burning away from us toward N, E, and W (we are south). Very smokey but otherwise good at the farm. Normal hours and tours planned for tomorrow. Hwy 11 is closed off, so you’ll need to come by way of 288 and Carrick Creek Rd."

Table Rock wildfire update

Trey Cox, Operations Chief for Table Rock Complex, reviewed Wednesday's operations at Table Rock Fire and previews Thursday's plan.

Jeff Riggin, Operations Chief for Persimmon Ridge Fire, reviewed Wednesday's operations at Persimmon Ridge Fire and previewed Thursday's plan.

Watch here

City of Greenville fire update

Here is what the City of Greenville posted this morning on social media:

Fire has scorched 3,000-plus acres at Table Rock and 1,000-plus near Caesar's Head and Bald Rock.

Our region has an air quality alert due to fine particles from wildfire smoke. The air is hazardous for those suffering from chronic respiratory disease. 

Greenville County Fire Department encourages you to close windows and doors and avoid outdoor activity.

Since Saturday, GCFD has supplied 37 firefighters, (1) Engine, (1) Battalion, (1) Brush truck and the Mobile Command Post. This equipment operates continuously, with crews working overtime on 12-hour shifts.

Additionally, the City's 9-1-1 Dispatch Director assisted with setting up interagency communications on the scene. 

GCFD Chief Brian Horton is coordinating with state and local officials on resource requests.

Behind the scenes, personnel are scheduling overtime and staffing to serve the greater community while still providing excellent emergency services to the City of Greenville's residents.

How dry is it in SC?

A video has gone viral, showing how dry it is in South Carolina.

A doorbell camera captured a lawn quickly ignited from a spark.

Weather conditions in Greenville County

The weather conditions on Wednesday included relative humidity dropping to an extreme low of 14% and continued gusty winds, which contributed greatly to the fires’ growth, according to the SCFC.

Winds diminished overnight and are expected to be lighter on Thursday, but relative humidity will drop to 22% in the afternoon.

Dry conditions overall are expected to continue through Saturday, with rain chances increasing late this weekend into early next week.

Aviation support for SC wildfires

Aviation support in the form of water drops was provided by a SLED helicopter (Bell 412), two SCFC single-engine air tankers, two SCNG Black Hawks, and two SCNG Chinooks, according to the SCFC.

Incident command staff ordered a “Super Scooper” aircraft, but the order was not filled; the request for a large air tanker (LAT) was not fulfilled because of poor visibility.

Why are SC wildfires growing?

Wind gusts dramatically increased fire activity, resulting in greater visible fire intensity and much more smoke, according to a press release from the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Additionally, Hurricane Helene's abundant downed timber remains dry due to the lack of significant rain, contributing significantly to extreme fire behavior on Wednesday. 

This dry timber acts as fuel, allowing the fires to spread rapidly and making containment efforts more challenging. 

Greenville County Emergency Management Division issued mandatory evacuations for over 50 communities along the Pickens and Greenville county borders Wednesday night.  

Terry Benjamin and Travis Rose

What areas have been evacuated?

The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that extreme fire behavior in both incidents prompted immediate mandatory evacuations in Greenville and Pickens counties. 

This escalation in fire activity has led to a significant expansion of both fire perimeters, further threatening nearby communities and resources.

Evacuation orders have been issued for communities to the east and northeast of the Table Rock Fire and for regions surrounding the Persimmon Ridge Fire. 

Additional evacuation orders have been issued for residents living along Oil Camp Creek Road east to River Falls Road, south to Highway 11, and west to West Gate Road.

Residents should report to the designated evacuation shelter at Marietta First Baptist Church, located at 2936 Geer Hwy, Marietta, SC. 

Travis Rose

Areas affected by wildfires: Evacuations ordered

According to a press release from the South Carolina Forestry Commission, residents in affected areas are urged to leave immediately and seek shelter in designated evacuation centers to ensure their well-being.

All relevant information has been posted on the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Facebook page for those needing directions or updates on road closures.

If you are affected by the Table Rock or Persimmon Ridge Fires, also known as the Table Rock Complex, you can obtain evacuation information by calling 864-467-3428.

How did the Table Rock fire start?

A wildfire at Table Rock State Park ignited on Friday. It has already consumed over 1,000 acres and continues to grow.

The Pickens County Sheriff's Office reported that four teenage hikers had started the fire. 

The teenagers allegedly ignited the blaze out of negligence, and due to the dry conditions, it quickly spread out of control. 

Authorities are investigating the incident and assessing potential charges against the individuals involved.

Deputies said they initially discovered the blaze while conducting a search operation for missing hiker Stephanie Womacks.

Travis Rose

South Carolina wildfires map

Stay up to date with the location and size of fires with our interactive South Carolina wildfire and smoke map. The map is updated hourly and provides detailed information on each fire.

Todd Runkle

SC Burning Ban

On Friday, March 21, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a State Forester's Burning Ban for all counties.

The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires.

Forestry Commission officials said the current weather conditions, including high winds and gusts, dramatically increase the risk of wildfires.

These conditions led to the issuing of a Red Flag Fire Alert, signaling the severe potential for fire spread. 

Additionally, extremely low relative humidity—below 30% in most areas—increases fire danger. 

SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said gusty winds and low relative humidity create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread quickly. 

Travis Rose

Air quality in the Upstate

The City of Greenville posted on Facebook that the "flames are not a threat to the City of Greenville, but the smoke from a 3,000-acre fire at Table Rock State Park and a 1,000-acre fire near Caesar's Head are having an environmental impact."

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issued an Air Quality Alert in parts of the region through noon Thursday, saying, "Fine particulate concentrations may approach or exceed unhealthy standards due to wildfire smoke."

The Greenville County Fire Department had this advice:

--Avoid outside activities when possible.

--Keep windows and doors closed.

--If you suffer from chronic respiratory illness, use caution and contact your healthcare provider for individual care instructions.

Need information about SC wildfires?

The Tablea Rock Public Information Line is 864-467-3428 and has been opened for wildfire evacuees, according to SCFC.

The line will be monitored from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you have an emergency, call 911.

Greenville County Emergency Management and Pickens County, SC are providing more information on Facebook and Instagram.

What to know about SC wildfires

Fire Background: 

Table Rock Fire:Human-caused on March 21 at Table Rock State Park

Persimmon Ridge Fire: Human-caused on March 22 at Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area southeast of Caesars Head State Park

Fire Size:

Table Rock Fire:4,556 acres and growing

Persimmon Ridge Fire: 1,553 acres and growing

Containment

Table Rock Fire:0% containment

Persimmon Ridge Fire: 0% containment

Injuries:No injuries have been reported.