Firefighters responded to a flare-up on March 2 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A 40-year-old woman, Alexandra Bialousow of Myrtle Beach, was arrested for allegedly starting a more than 2,000 acre wildfire last week in the state. She is facing charges related to negligently allowing the fire to spread and starting a fire without taking proper precautions. Witnesses reported seeing Bialousow starting a fire in a backyard fire pit close to a tree line, which later escalated into the Covington Drive Fire near Myrtle Beach. The fire has been contained to 55% as of Saturday afternoon, with no major injuries reported. Abnormally dry conditions have contributed to wildfires scorching over 4,000 acres statewide, leading to evacuations. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency due to the fires and imposed a statewide burning ban. Bialousow is scheduled to appear in court on April 15 and could face imprisonment or fines if convicted.
