Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina and issued a ban on burning, as 175 wildfires burned across the state. Violators will be subject to prosecution.

According to the state fire marshal’s office 4,200 acres in South Carolina have been impacted. Wildfires have been reported in Horry, Spartanburg, Oconee, Union, and Pickens counties. The fires are being fueled by dry conditions and wind.

The ban is in place to help first responders get the resources they need.

“While a majority of the current wildfire activity is concentrated in the Pee Dee region, the rest of the state is experiencing a dramatic uptick in wildfires, straining the capacity of Forestry Commission firefighters and local emergency response personnel to respond,” stated Darryl Jones with the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Evacuation orders have been issued in the Carolina Forest area of Horry County (Myrtle Beach.) An evacuation in Georgetown County was implemented but has been lifted.