News Summary
In South Carolina, a 40-year-old Myrtle Beach woman, Alexandra Bialousow, has been arrested for starting a massive wildfire that has burned over 2,000 acres. The fire, known as the Covington Drive Fire, has caused air quality concerns and led to evacuation orders in some areas. Although the fire is currently 55-70% contained, the situation remains critical as firefighting efforts continue amid drought conditions. Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency, and Bialousow faces serious charges related to the fire’s spread.
Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested for Starting Massive Wildfire
In an alarming turn of events, a Myrtle Beach woman has been apprehended for allegedly igniting a wildfire that has engulfed over 2,000 acres of land. The 40-year-old, identified as Alexandra Bialousow, is facing serious charges for negligently allowing a fire to spread and for starting a fire in woodlands or grasslands without taking the necessary precautions.
What Happened?
The incident all began on March 1 when witnesses reportedly saw Bialousow intentionally starting a fire in a backyard fire pit situated close to a tree line. This sparked what is now referred to as the Covington Drive Fire, which has become one of the largest wildfires among more than 175 currently battling across South Carolina.
As of the most recent updates, the Covington Drive Fire has been reported to be 55-70% contained. Thankfully, no major injuries or fatalities have been linked to these wildfires, but evacuation orders were issued for certain areas in Carolina Forest as a precaution.
Health Concerns and Drought Conditions
Residents of Horry County have been experiencing significant distress due to smoke and unhealthy air quality levels. Authorities have even issued an air-quality alert to keep residents informed. The problematic situation has been worsened by moderate to severe drought conditions currently affecting parts of Horry County, further complicating firefighting efforts.
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the extensive wildfires, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency and imposed a statewide burn ban which will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. The burn ban was enacted on February 27, ahead of the widespread wildfire activity that has since unfolded.
Bialousow’s Defense
According to Bialousow’s arrest warrant, she allegedly “did not have an appropriate water source readily available” nor the garden tools to manage the fire, which ultimately allowed it to spread uncontrollably. After being taken into custody, she was released on a $7,500 bond and is scheduled to make her court appearance on April 15.
Her attorney argues that Bialousow was attempting to control the flames using a garden hose, and contends that the fire was contained within a permanent stone fire pit that is exempt from burn bans under specific conditions.
Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
The current firefighting situation remains intense, with teams utilizing various methods to bring the fire under control. This includes the strategic dropping of water from airplanes and deploying National Guard helicopters to assist in battling the blazes.
While evacuation orders for certain neighborhoods in Carolina Forest were initially enforced, residents were later allowed to return home once conditions improved.
Next Steps
The fire’s development serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety practices, especially during dry spells. As the community rallies together, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and prioritize safety in the face of unpredictable wildfires.
As South Carolina continues to battle its wildfire crisis, all eyes will be on the upcoming court proceedings for Bialousow, as the community seeks answers and resolutions to help prevent future incidents.
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Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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