IAFF Fire Fighters Respond to South Carolina Wildfires

April 27, 2009 – The wildfires that have been wreaking havoc around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, over the last several days are nearly contained, thanks in part to the hard work by IAFF fire fighters from Myrtle Beach Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 2345, Myrtle Beach Professional Fire Officers Association Local 4614, North Myrtle Beach Local 4637 and Conway Local 4617. The IAFF fire fighters, who are mostly trained for structure fires, are working in conjunction with the South Carolina Forestry Commission and other agencies.

Thus far, the fires have burned more than 30 square miles and 70 homes. An additional 100 homes have been damaged. No fire fighter homes have been affected.

“There are a lot of pine trees in South Carolina, which burned quickly and accelerated the growth of these wildland fires,” says IAFF 12th District Vice President Larry Osborne, who sits on the IAFF Wildland Task Force. “In past wildland fires occurring in the 12th district, fire fighters have been able to provide a rapid, adequate response and advert catastrophe. But, in South Carolina, the resources for such a response currently aren’t there.”

South Carolina Professional Fire Fighters Association President Mike Parrotta agrees. “Our brother and sister fire fighters are working hard to protect homes and businesses from these fires. However, it is a challenge because short-staffing is forcing them to run two fire fighters on every engine and truck.”

North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach and Conway fire departments are all under hiring freezes due to the economy. Additionally, the traditionally conservative state’s local governments are reluctant to take advantage of federal grants because local government officials do not believe they can commit to the required matching funds.

Meanwhile, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has also been publically vocal about his opposition to the recent federal stimulus package, but ultimately decided to sign a federal certification form enabling South Carolina to receive the monies.

On April 22, the wildfire began in Horry County – South Carolina’s largest – several miles inland, west of Myrtle Beach. On the first day, fire fighters were able to contain about 25 percent of the fire. But, 25 mile-per-hour winds and low humidity caused the fire to spread at a faster pace on the second day, reducing containment to 10 percent.

Fire fighters have spent long hours to stop the spreading of the fires and are now close to containment. “Our fire fighters have been working overtime to get the job done with the resources they have,” says Parrotta. “With rain expected later this week, our members should soon be getting some relief.”

Governor Sanford has declared a state of emergency for Horry County, which will free up some resources to assist affected citizens.

While the official cause is still being investigated, it is suspected that the blaze grew from a resident trying to burn his yard debris.