South Carolina: Woman Arrested for Allegedly Igniting Major Wildfire
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A 40-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, faces charges after allegedly igniting a wildfire that burned over 2,059 acres. Authorities report the fire started from a backyard pit, leading to significant property damage and prompting a state of emergency.
Key Takeaways
- A 40-year-old woman was arrested.
- Wildfire scorched over 2,059 acres.
- Fire started from a backyard fire pit.
- Governor declared a state of emergency.
- Failure to maintain safety measures led to charges.
Myrtle Beach, March 9 (NationPress) A 40-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been taken into custody for allegedly igniting a wildfire that devastated over 2,059 acres, according to local media reports.
The individual, named Alexandra Bialousow, is facing charges of jeopardizing lives and property after investigators traced the fire's start to a backyard fire pit that rapidly got out of hand.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission stated that Bialousow was apprehended on Thursday for recklessly allowing a fire to spread and for igniting a fire in wooded, grassy, or similar areas without the necessary precautions in place.
Witnesses informed officials that they observed Bialousow starting a fire on Sunday in a backyard fire pit adjacent to a tree line in the Covington Lakes Subdivision.
The arrest warrant revealed that she failed to keep an adequate water supply or firefighting tools nearby, which resulted in the fire spreading to property owned by the Walker Woods HOA.
The fire escalated into what is now known as the Covington Drive Fire near Myrtle Beach, marking one of the largest wildfires among more than 175 reported across South Carolina in the past week, according to officials.
As of Saturday afternoon, the fire was reported to be 55 percent contained, with no significant injuries reported.
Dry weather has contributed to the swift spread of wildfires throughout the state, consuming over 4,000 acres and necessitating several evacuations. In reaction, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday and instituted a statewide burning prohibition.
"Anyone who disregards this ban will face criminal charges," McMaster cautioned.
Bialousow is set to appear in Horry County court on April 15. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail or incur fines for each charge. Neither Bialousow nor the Myrtle Beach Police Department has provided comments regarding the incident.
