A woman has been arrested in connection with a massive wildfire that burned over 2,000 acres in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Authorities took 40-year-old Alexandra Bialousow into custody on Thursday. She faces charges for allowing a fire to spread negligently and for starting a fire without proper safety precautions. Officials from the South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that multiple witnesses saw her start a fire in a backyard fire pit near a wooded area in the Covington Lake subdivision on Sunday, March 2.
According to an arrest warrant, Bialousow did not have a proper water source nearby or any tools to control the fire. As a result, the flames spread to land owned by the Walker Woods Homeowners Association.
The wildfire, known as the Covington Drive Fire, is one of the largest in South Carolina in recent times. Officials say it is part of a larger outbreak of more than 175 wildfires across the state in the past week. As of Saturday afternoon, the fire was reported to be 55% contained. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported so far.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency due to the wildfires. In his statement, he emphasized that the burning ban will remain in effect until further notice. He also warned that anyone who violates the ban could face criminal prosecution.
Bialousow is scheduled to appear in Horry County court on April 15. If found guilty, she could face up to 30 days in jail or be required to pay significant fines for each charge.
In response to the ongoing fire threat, officials have ordered evacuations in the Walkers Woods and Avalon neighborhoods in Carolina Forest. Over 400 firefighters and emergency personnel are currently battling the fires. The South Carolina Forestry Commission has also deployed heavy machinery to help clear brush and prevent further spread.
The wildfire situation remains critical, and authorities urge residents to follow all safety precautions and evacuation orders. As firefighters continue their efforts, officials hope to contain the flames fully in the coming days.
