SC Forestry: Palmetto Glen brush fire caused by children

Published: Feb. 12, 2012 at 8:26 PM EST|Updated: Feb. 15, 2012 at 6:25 PM EST
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Source: WMBF Storm Team Meteorologist Marla Branson
Source: WMBF Storm Team Meteorologist Marla Branson
Source: WMBF News Reporter Will Whitson
Source: WMBF News Reporter Will Whitson

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) The South Carolina Forestry Commission was dispatched to the Palmetto Pointe area of Horry County Sunday afternoon to assist Horry County Fire Rescue as they battled a brush fire in a residential neighborhood.

Leslie Yancey, spokesperson for Horry County Fire Rescue, said the South Carolina Forestry Commission had a line around the fire by 6 p.m. and Horry County Fire Rescue units were mopping up behind homes in the area. Firefighters held a presence in the area throughout Sunday night.

Scott Hawkins, spokesperson for the South Carolina Forestry Commission, told WMBF News that units had been dispatched to the brush fire earlier in the afternoon.

Battalion Chief Justin Gibbins said on his Twitter account that three engines and three brush trucks were on scene at the brush fire.

The area of Palmetto Glen Drive is residential, and this fire had the potential to threaten several homes. Fire crews were using fire hoses and garden hoses to wet the garden behind numerous houses.

Residents in the area told WMBF News that even though no official evacuation order had been given, those closest to the fire did choose to leave.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission's website reports that the brush fire, at least fifteen acres in size, was caused by children. It took fires crews roughly two and a half hours to contain the fire.

Copyright 2012 WMBF News. All rights reserved.