Myrtle Beach resident faces charges for igniting massive wildfire

In South Carolina, a significant wildfire, dubbed the Covington Drive fire, erupted in early March 2025, consuming over 2,000 acres in the Carolina Forest area near Myrtle Beach. This blaze was primarily fueled by abnormally dry conditions and strong winds and threatened numerous homes and lives in surrounding neighborhoods, which prompted evacuations and raised visibility concerns due to thick smoke. Alexandra Bialousow, a 40-year-old resident of Myrtle Beach, has been charged with negligence after reportedly starting a fire in her backyard fire pit without taking appropriate safety measures. On March 1, 2025, witnesses observed Bialousow lighting a fire in close proximity to a tree line in her backyard, which eventually escalated into the extensive wildfire that is currently under control. Bialousow is alleged to have lacked an adequate water source or tools to manage the fire properly, allowing it to spread uncontrollably to adjacent lands owned by the Walker Woods Homeowners Association. According to officials, this incident was witnessed firsthand by several neighbors who reported her actions to the authorities. As of now, the Covington Drive fire is approximately 55 percent contained, with efforts from local firefighting teams bolstered by assistance from the National Guard, who have conducted targeted water drops from helicopters. The situation led to a state of emergency declared by Governor Henry McMaster due to the rapid growth of wildfires in the region, which have collectively scorched more than 4,000 acres across the state. Authorities have indicated that Bialousow faces serious legal consequences, with potential fines or imprisonment if convicted on two charges related to her failure to ensure the safety of her residential debris burn. Her court appearance is scheduled for April 15, and as of now, no major injuries have been reported as a result of the wildfire, though some property damage has occurred. The surrounding area remains under a burn ban due to the persistent risk of wildfires, and authorities have reported that multiple individuals have been cited for violating this ban recently.