While it’s a good distance from us, we live in a similar mountain environment, and it’s completely natural to feel concerned. Here’s what you need to know as of Monday morning, March 24th, 2025:
🔥 Current Situation:
- Fire Size: Over 1,058 acres burned within Table Rock State Park.
- Containment Efforts: Crews completed 3 miles of back burning yesterday, with more continuing today. Expect to see increased smoke or fire activity as part of these efforts.
- Property Protection: Engine and brush truck crews are on-site protecting structures in the area.
- Fire Lines: Ground crews made strong progress constructing fire lines near Dry Lake Road, extending toward the Greenville Water System property.
- Air Operations: Scheduled to resume this morning after being paused overnight.
- Evacuations: Still in effect only for the immediate fire area. No further evacuations are expected at this time.
🚫 Closures & Conditions:
- Table Rock State Park: Trails, White Oaks Campground, Lake Oolenoy, and Lake Pinnacle remain closed.
- Highway 11: Hazardous due to smoke and emergency traffic. Avoid the area.
- Grant Meadow Overlook: Closed as a precaution.
- Recycling Center: Closed today near Table Rock.
🔥 Important Clarifications Regarding the Burn Ban in North Carolina:
- Burn Bans: A South Carolina statewide outdoor burn ban and a North Carolina statewide outdoor burn ban are both currently in effect. This means no open burning of leaves, branches, or other plant material is allowed.
- Grilling: You may still use your grill or barbecue if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.
- Campfires: Campfires are considered open burning and are not allowed during a burn ban. Use portable gas stoves or grills for cooking while camping.
- Open Burning Definition: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches, or other plant material. Burning trash, lumber, tires, or other non-vegetative material is illegal at all times.
🤝 How You Can Help:
The Holly Springs Fire Department (2239 Moorefield Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC) is accepting donations. Requested items include:
- Bottled water
- Snacks (including fruit)
- Socks
- ChapStick
- Eye drops
- Baby wipes
- Safety glasses
- Batteries
🌲 What This Means for Whisper Lake:
- Low Threat: The fire is not an immediate threat to our area.
- Smoke: We may see haze depending on wind direction. Monitor local air quality and take precautions if needed.
- Preparedness: This is a good time to review your own emergency plans and clear defensible space around your home.
The crews working this fire are experienced and well-equipped, and our own emergency teams are staying vigilant. We’ll continue monitoring and will share relevant updates with the community as needed.
📍 For more details and an interactive map of the affected area, visit the Pickens County Fire Update Page:
https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/news_detail_T8_R121.php
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep an eye on your surroundings.