Amid the wildfires across North and South Carolina, we got the chance to talk to Brenda Bethune, mayor of Myrtle Beach, about the impact it has had on residents and hopeful holidaymakers.
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Understandably, after the wildfires that devastated California, people are feeling edgy about other outbreaks. However, not every state is as woefully unprepared as the Golden State. North and South Carolina are no strangers to wildfires and are prepared for the annual burns.
But, news of the wildfires has spread, and Brenda Bethune has taken the opportunity to speak to us and let the world know that everything is under control.
Wildfire Poses Very Little Threat To Myrtle Beach
Speaking to Mayor Brenda Bethune, I asked what the danger to the popular holiday destination is at present. A large wildfire is burning about ten miles north in the Carolina Forest.
"They're located about 10 miles from here across the coastal waterway. So, they have not affected us at all," she explained. "Luckily, the fires have not affected the city of Myrtle Beach... The roadways coming into the city are good. Very little, if any, smoke today. I actually spoke with one of our employees earlier who lives in one of the neighborhoods that was evacuated, and he said there's no smoke near his house."
The fire services are on top of the wildfires, and there is a significant waterway between them and the residential areas. According to Bethune, even smoke from the wildfires isn't posing any threat to the residents of Myrtle Beach.
Fire Services And Forest Comission Managing The Threat
With so much undergrowth combined with high temperatures and winds, there is always a threat of wildfire in the Carolinas. However, there are many safeguards in place to prevent unmanageable fires in the area, especially around residential and holiday areas. Regular raking and burning are in place to keep things in check.
I asked Bethune about the steps that had been taken to keep Myrtle Beach safe from wildfires. "South Carolina does a great job. The forest commission controls our forest conditions. We do the undergrowth cutting, we thin out our forest, and they are really well maintained. We don't have a lot of fire issues here," she reassured.
The state is prepared for the eventuality and ensures that the at-risk zones are kept in check.
Should Holiday Makers Worry?
Myrtle Beach is a tourist hotspot, with a lot of its revenue coming from the year-round holiday makers. But, with the media hyping up the fires, people may be feeling a little hesitant. I asked Mayor Brenda Bethune if there should be any cause for concern.
"Well, unfortunately, the media are putting out there that this is all happening in Myrtle Beach, and tourism is our number one industry," she said "So, you know, we are going to lose some of the reservations that have been made, and this is the time of year that we need people to start coming back." However, there is not much cause for concern. The fires are of little threat to the residential areas or holiday resorts.
In fact, webcams of Myrte Beach can be checked online to see that there is nothing to fear from the wildfires. "There have been some cancellations, and we just encourage people to rebook those hotel rooms and come because everything is okay."
Everything is business as usual in the popular holiday resort. "Our hotels are open, our places are open, all of our events and activities. So, it's a great time to come to Myrtle," Mayor Bethune reassured us.
And, Of Course, A Big Hand To The Services Working To Keep Myrtle Beach Safe From Wildfires
The various services, including the fire and forestry commission, are always hard at work throughout the year to keep Mytle Beach and the rest of the state safe from wildfires. Mayor Brenda Bethune was full of praise for the tireless men and women keeping everything under control.
"Our state agents came in to help, including our own rural department, who helped with this. But Horry County Fire and Rescue did an amazing job of controlling these fires, protecting people's homes. Not one single home was lost in this event. And I think that's pretty miraculous."
So, if you're thinking of cancelling your holiday to Myrtle Beach, maybe think twice. We have it from the Mayor herself that things aren't as bad as they may seem.
