Wildfires rage across the Carolinas; South Carolina governor issues state of emergency

Dozens of wildfires raged across North and South Carolina on Sunday, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders and open emergency shelters as both states and much of the Eastern Seaboard contended with dry conditions and gusty winds.

The largest of the brush fires erupted Saturday in Carolina Forest, a community west of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The fire exploded in size overnight, forcing residents in at least a half dozen neighborhoods to flee their homes, officials said.

By 5:30 p.m. local time Sunday, the fire grew to more than 1,600 acres and was 30% contained, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Dramatic videos show the inferno nearing homes as flames whipped furiously, sending stacks of smoke into the air. Officials said no structures have been destroyed and no injuries have been reported.

The South Carolina National Guard said it was assisting the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with wildfire containment in Horry County on Sunday. The state National Guard prepared two Blackhawk helicopters, which can carry about 600 gallons of water.

In South Carolina, 175 wildfires burned across the state, scorching over 4,200 acres of land and straining firefighting resources, according to the state fire marshal's office. Response operations were ongoing in various areas, including Horry, Spartanburg, Union, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

The largest of the brush fires erupted Saturday in Carolina Forest, a community west of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The fire exploded in size overnight, forcing residents in at least a half dozen neighborhoods to flee their homes, officials said.

I would have loved to see snow one more time this year.  We don't often see it down here.  I think the Winds of Terror have moved on, at least for today.

March winds bring April showers. 

It's best not to plant flowers here before the 24th of May.  

We're having a mini drought over here, very little rain for the past two weeks and none forecast yet. 

As a connoisseur of antiques Tommy I can report that yesterday I went to the Spode Pottery Museum in Stoke. The pottery closed in 2008 but the museum remains plus a shop selling off what's left of the Spode collection. I bought a plate from c.1820, slightly worn for £10 and a coffee cup and saucer from c.1800, a chip in the cup, for £5. Incredible prices for items over 200 years old. Lots of superb china dating from the 1830s to 1890s for less than £50 each in perfect condition.   

I'm thinking of going back for more stuff in better condition this time. Having said that the 1800 saucer is in perfect condition and only £5 with a chipped cup. The plate has a little wear on the decoration around the edges through constant handling I guess, nice to see it was actually used once.  

Does this make me a conner-sewer of antiques? 

While I was in Stoke I also found the graves of Josiah Spode and the even more famous Josiah Wedgwood in the grounds of the Church of St Peter ad Vincula. 

I counted on you exploring, Mark.  I just visited the museum site and am wondering what the pattern is on your cup and saucer.

I'm still looking for a "Royal Doulton with hand-painted periwinkles" piece.