The Table Rock Complex Fire in South Carolina has reached more than 13,000 acres in size, surpassing the 2016 Pinnacle Mountain Fire.We are monitoring the Table Rock fire and the Persimmon Ridge Fire around the clock and will provide updates here.CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST EVACUATIONS DUE TO THESE FIRESSunday night update from South Carolina Forestry:STATEWIDE BURNING BAN TO BE LIFTED MONDAY FOR 41 COUNTIES Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties to remain under ban The State Forester’s Burning Ban will be lifted for all but five South Carolina counties at 6 a.m. Monday, March 31. Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties will remain under the burning ban until further notice.The Forestry Commission is lifting the ban in the other 41 counties because the dangerous combination of low relative humidities and gusty winds that prompted the March 21 outdoor burning prohibition are expected to subside substantially statewide over the next week. The ban is being left in place in the remaining counties for several reasons. The sheer amount of Forestry Commission and fire department personnel/equipment dedicated to the Table Rock Complex in Greenville and Pickens counties, which includes two wildfires that have grown to a combined 13,000-plus acres, has potential to strain the capacity of local response to new wildfire ignitions.The ban in Horry County remains in place while Forestry Commission resources continue to focus their efforts on mop-up and strengthening firebreaks around the Myrtle Beach-area Covington Drive Fire, which is now 85 percent contained. “Burning bans are not intended to be extended, much less permanent, solutions to wildfires,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “Prescribed burns in particular are necessary tools for forestry and agriculture, but we can’t emphasize enough the importance of using fire prudently and respecting the weather. ”Underlying conditions still warrant the need to be extremely vigilant when burning outdoors, as above-average fire danger and activity is expected through April, which has historically seen the worst, most damaging and costly wildfires in South Carolina. Anyone who burns outdoors and allows their fire to escape will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Citizens who may plan to conduct outdoor burning of residential yard debris or prescribed burns must still notify the Forestry Commission before doing so. Sunday evening update from Pickens County school district: Pickens County sent this email out to families regarding bus routes and transportation for schools tomorrow : "More than a week after the Table Rock Fire began, we are thankful that rain is finally falling! Due to improved conditions this weekend and a forecast calling for additional rain, Pickens County has lifted all mandatory evacuation orders for areas north of Highway 11. We have received confirmation that we can travel on roads north of Highway 11 as families are returning home. However, voluntary evacuations remain in place, and returning residents are encouraged to stay alert in case conditions change."Transportation Update:Beginning Monday, March 31, 2025, SDPC will resume normal bus transportation routes for all affected areas.If your family is continuing to observe the voluntary evacuation and needs assistance arranging transportation to/from school for your student(s), please contact the Pickens Area Transportation Office at (864) 397-1173.Sunday afternoon update from Transylvania County:All Transylvania County mandatory evacuations have been lifted effectively immediately. Some residents remain in yellow status meaning they are advised to have an evacuation plan in place should conditions change.After reviewing current conditions and operational plans across federal, state and local agencies, the mandatory evacuation orders are being lifted for residences in Transylvania County, North Carolina. At this stage, the fire in North Carolina has been primarily on state forest lands with minimal impact to private property. Residents previously under the mandatory evacuation may return to their homes. The maps are being revised to show a yellow zone reflecting area where residents are advised to maintain situational awareness and have preparations in place should a new evacuation order be issued. The rain and the dedicated work of our first responder community have decreased the imminent threat to life and property. The burn ban remains in place and operations will continue to manage the Table Rock Fire.The following roads are included in the Level 2 Yellow Zone:Aeryn LnArrowhead RdBeaumont DrBerkshire CtBetween The Lakes RdBetween The Lakes XingBig Pine LnBlack Oak CtBoot Lake LnBoulder Creek DrBoulder XingBreeze Ova BlvdButternut LnCardinal RdCedar LnClear Creek RdClearview DrCompass Rose RdEdwards RdEmrys DrEssex CirFaith Chapel RdFeedrock RdFlint Rock TrceFox RunFrazier RdFriar Tuck LnGoldfinch CtGreenwood LnGrouse LnHidden Waters DrKayak Cove RdLa Floresta DrLakewood DrLawton Woods RdLittle John CtMarshall Lake RdMary Fraser WayNottingham RdNuthatch TrceOld Poplar LnOpossum PathOriole RdPerry Mountain RdPheasant RunPicnic River TrlPrayer Mountain RdPurple Finch RdRed Oak LnRobin Hood RdSherwood TerSouth Stone's Lake LnSpring Hollow LnStarr CirStillwagon LnStone's Lake RdStoneway DrSuffolk LnSurrey LnSweet Hallie LnTanager CtThunder Lake RdTurkey Run RdWalker LnWarbler LnWhite Oak TerWindy Top RdWood Thrush Way Sunday afternoon update from Greenville County:TABLE ROCK FIRESIZE: 10,894 acres (SC) 574 acres (NC)CONTAINMENT: 9%START DATE: March 21, 2025CAUSE: Human-causedOn Saturday, crews had a successful strategic firing operation on the western perimeter connecting the fire to existing dozer lines. The fire grew to the north, slowing at the ridge top as it crossed over into North Carolina. On the northeast perimeter, the fire grew west of Matthews Creek. Expected rain this afternoon will support holding containment lines where strategic firing operations occurred Saturday, while also providing more opportunities to go direct where the fire crossed into Transylvania County, NC.PERSIMMON RIDGE FIRESIZE: 2,078 acresCONTAINMENT: 24%START DATE: March 22, 2025CAUSE: Human-causedFirefighters continue to secure containment lines on the east perimeter of the Persimmon Ridge fire. Containment lines along Highway 276 on the southwest perimeter are secure.WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Potential thunderstorms this afternoon with approximately 1/4-inch of rainfall across the fire today with winds from the south to southeast, allowing firefighters to strengthen containment lines. A return to drier conditions is expected Monday and Tuesday. CLOSURES/EVAUCATIONS: Mandatory evacuation is still in place for some residents of Greenville County. South Carolina evacuation guidelines have been updated from mandatory to voluntary for those in Pickens County.STATEWIDE BURNING BAN: A statewide burning ban remains in effect - all outdoor burning prohibited - including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.INCIDENT RESOURCES: 19 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 26 Engines, 334 personnelSC Firefighter Mobilization (SC State Fire) Resources: 15 brush trucks, 12 engines, 9 water tenders, 3 UTVs, 115 personnelSunday afternoon update from Transylvania County:Fireline, Evacuations and Firefighting UpdateTransylvania County is under a State of Emergency due to forest fire danger from three fires: Persimmon Ridge fire from South Carolina, estimated at approx. 2,078 acres (not breached into the county) The Southern Area Blue Team working this event is expecting to be able to maintain the boundaries on this fire today and are working towards containment.Table Rock Fire from South Carolina approx.. 11,468 acres (has breached into the county) Fire crews from local, state, and federal resources have been on the ground continuing with back burning and line strengthening activities that have added to the acreage. An updated fire line map will be provided once controlled burn operations have been completed and aerial support is able to map the line.We are receiving small amounts of rain which is helping. However, residents need to remember that the burn ban will remain in place. The amount of rain does not remove the danger burning can pose to our community.The evacuation boundary has not changed since it was initially issued on Wednesday and no homes have been impacted by the fire. 758 Structures are under a mandatory evacuation and emergency shelter is open at Transylvania County Parks and Recreation at 1078 Ecusta Rd. 8 people were registered in the shelter as of this evening. RVs cannot be accommodated at the shelter. Mountain Falls RV Park is willing to accept RVs at their location.Evacuation areas are being evaluated today after the success of yesterday and are expected to begin to be reduced in certain areas this afternoon/evening (Likely by 4 p.m.). Evacuated residents will be notified when it is safe to return home and updates will be issued.Operational Plan ReportFederal, state, interlocal and local teams continue to patrol fire lines and work to mop up areas where the fire has burned out, ensuring there are no hot spots.Additional coordination is being carried out with the incident command based in SC, NC Office of State Fire Marshall, NC Forestry Service and others to ensure that resources are available where they are needed the most. Today’s rain and temporary slowing of activity will provide an opportunity to rotate in support crews so that local responders can rest. Additional resources from North Carolina will remain in place until they are no longer needed.Miscommunication can be dangerous and creates additional challenges in the response effort. We have received at least one fake Facebook account posing as a government official posting fire sightings and citizens directing others to inaccurate information using online commercial mapping products. Updates will be issued from Unified Command with multi-agency information on the effort underway on Transylvania County Social Media, website and through the alert system and shared through local partners.Additional InformationTransylvania County Cooperative Extension is coordinating with our agriculture community regarding livestock.Those signed up for emergency alerts on the Transylvania County website will receive notifications of evacuation or evacuation lifting only if their address is impacted. All residents are encouraged to be continue to be proactive by registering their address and phone number in the county alert system. Take prevention measures around your home and vehicles to remove dry leaves and vegetive debris that could be ignited with embers. A tutorial to support sign up is available on the county website at www.transylvaniacounty.org.Air quality is forecast to be in the red zone for Transylvania County today. Code Red means prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for anyone. All residents should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.Only call 911 if you see active fire. Smoky conditions throughout the county are expected.Connestee Fire and Rescue UpdateYesterday was a very productive day for firefighters working to contain the Table Rock Complex Fire in North Carolina. Burnout operations and fire lines seems to have been very successful in slowing and stopping the fire in critical areas.Connestee Fire Rescue has been working closely with South Carolina fire officials and the Southern Incident Management Blue Team to monitor the burn out operations and any effect they may have to North Carolina.At this time Connestee Fire Rescue and Mutual Aid Crews from across North and South Carolina continue to monitor fire lines and provide structural protection.*Multiple crews are currently assisting North Carolina Forest Service with Wildland Fire Suppression operations on the front lines.*Most fire lines continue to hold fast, with additional areas being determined to be moving to a safe status.*Connestee Fire Rescue Inc would like to thank all of the local, state and federal resources who have came to assist in this effort.Cedar Mountain Fire and Rescue UpdateLocal and mutual aid crews continue to work the front lines of the fire to engage in active fire line control.We are monitoring hot spots for any fire activity and working to ensure it remains contained within the fire breaks.Residents are still encouraged to remove leaves and dry vegetative debris from around their homes, vehicles and gutters. Also remove other flammable items like cushions, cardboard, gas cans and other items away from your home. This will support the ability of fire departments to protect homes. See Readync.gov for information on what to consider when being evacuated.Sunday morning update:Derrick Moore with the Southern Area Blue Team said rain is in the air now, but not as much as crews would like. However, firefighters are still using the rain to get ahead of the fire.Moore added that crews may not be able to fly today due to the weather, but they may not need the air support like they did before. Table Rock FireAccording to Moore, a lot of the area near the reservoir has been contained. The southern portion of the fires have nearly burned out. The southwest and west portions of the fire were weakened by burn out operations Saturday. The northeast section of the fire is still moving , but is still a ways away from the Hwy 276 corridor. A lot of little fire lines remain in the northwest section of the fire, so crews plan to connect these fire lines today. Moore expects the fire to slow down or stop growing due to the rain.Most of the focus and resources are on the Table Rock Fire.Persimmon Ridge FireMoore said the fire is in better shape, so resources are being shifted from Persimmon Ridge to the Table Rock Fire. Officials do not anticipate additional fire spread for this fire over the next few days. The western portion of the Persimmon Ridge Fire has been contained.As of 10:20 a.m., the South Carolina Forestry Commission has not released the latest containment and acreage numbers.Saturday evening update: As of Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 5:00 p.m mandatory evacuation is still in place for some residents of Greenville County. South Carolina evacuation guidelines have been updated from mandatory to voluntary for those in Pickens County. Residents of Greenville County north of the Greenville County-Pickens County line, west of Wildcat Falls on Highway 11/Highway 276 and east of the Table Rock Reservoir are still under mandatory evacuation. Although the evacuations in this area are now voluntary Greenville County Emergency Management and Pickens County Emergency Management urge residents who choose to return to their homes with caution and to avoid outside activities due to air quality alerts. Those with respiratory issues should use caution before re-entry. In addition, the Table Rock Complex Information Line will be closing today at 7pm. For more information on the evacuations, call 864-467-3428. For more fire information, call 803-906-9730, Or email 2025.tablerockcomplex@firenet.gov.Transylvania County has a curfew in place from 8 p.m Saturday to 8 a.m Sunday. Saturday afternoon update from press conference:Key Notes:Table Rock Wildfire is currently 10,904 acres in size with 9% containment.Persimmon Ridge Wildfire is currently 2,078 acres with 24% containment.Table Rock Complex Fire was declared the nation's number one priority fire on Friday.Fire crossed into North Carolina on FridayOver 1,400 homes in South Carolina have been evacuatedEvacuation orders will not be lifted at this timeOfficials said the rain expected Sunday and Monday is not enough to extinguish the fire, but will put crews at an advantage.During the press conference, Scott Phillips with the South Carolina Forestry Commission said more than 1,400 homes have been evacuated in South Carolina since the start of the fires.Phillips said families are not allowed to return home at this time. Although conditions have become safer, residents could risk another mandatory evacuation later on.Col. Brian Pipkin with the U.S. National Guard said members of the National Guard have utilized two CH-47 Chinook and two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to drop an average of 120,000 gallons (water/chemicals) a day.Lt. Governor Pamela Evette said this fire has had the largest water chemical drops in South Carolina history.Saturday morning update from Transylvania County:Key Messages The fire line was maintained overnightNo homes have been impacted in Transylvania County by the wildfires. An additional road closure is in effect: East Fork Road is closed from the East Fork entrance of Connestee Falls, to Glady Fork Rd to keep roads clear for fire crews to travel.Today’s weather conditions are improved from yesterday. Crews will be working to enhance the protection line and maintain crews at any structures nearby. Both air and ground resources will be utilized todayThe Table Rock Complex Fire expanded into North Carolina with direct impacts on Connestee Fire and Cedar Mountain Service District. This is a complex wildland fire event that requires multi agency response. This includes, but is not limited to, the North Carolina Forest Service, South Carolina Forestry and federal assets working to fight the fire and provide coordinated containment efforts. The shear size of the wildland fire and firefighting needs requires mutual aid from local fire departments within the County and mutual aid assistance from other Counties in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. On Friday, the fire expanded from the South Carolina State line into the areas south and east of East Fork road, near Happy Acres, Big Hill, East of Glady Fork near Dolly Masters and some eastern expansion towards the Stones lake area. As of 6 p.m. Friday, no structural involvement had been confirmed. Expected weather conditions on Saturday are concerning for ongoing firefighting activities. Low humidity and wind conditions make wildland fire fighting efforts very difficult.Saturday morning update from SC Forestry Commission:The South Carolina Forestry Commission released the latest information on the Table Rock complex wildfires.Back in 2016, the Pinnacle Mountain Fire grew to 10,623 acres in Pickens County. This fire was the largest wildfire recorded in Upstate history until now.The Table Rock Wildfire has now grown to a massive 10,904 acres with 0% containment.For comparison, the Table Rock fire started a week ago, whereas the Pinnacle Mountain Fire ultimately took 26 days to consume 10,623 acres.Officials said there was not a lot of fire growth or major concerns Friday, despite it being a high fire danger day.The fire moved northeast and west Friday. The Table Rock State Park area looked cold, so officials are diverting resources to other areas.The Forestry Commission said people may see a lot more smoke today than Friday.According to officials, the fire is getting closer to communities in Transylvania County. The Persimmon Ridge Fire has grown to 2,078 acres with 0% containment.This brings the Table Rock complex wildfires to a combined total of 12,982 acres in size.Officials said crews made a lot of progress on the Persimmon Ridge Fire yesterday and will continue to improve fire lines there today. Friday noon update from governor: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster held a media briefing Friday morning with state emergency management officials to update the public on the state's response to the Table Rock Complex Fire. Watch the full news conference below: Friday update from City of Greenville: More than 10,000 acres and growing. Zero percent contained Governor Henry McMaster is at the Table Rock Complex Fire holding a news conference with South Carolina State Fire and the State Forestry Commission and is currently taking questions.Key takeaways so far: This is just the beginning of the wildfire season in South Carolina. In the month of March SC Forestry has responded to 373 fires burning over 18,100 acres. April and May are peak fire season.There are three active wildfires in SCThe SC National Guard has been deployed and is "in the fight." • 612,000 gallons of water have been dropped by Forestry, that number does not include water drops from other agencies. 550 firefighters and 96 apparatus have been deployed from local agencies through a firefighter mobilization effort. SLED is there to patrol evacuated areas to prevent looting and keep spectators away. Trees from Hurricane Helene are blocking access to some areas that are burning. A burn ban is in effect statewide. People who violate the ban could face criminal charges.Friday morning update from Pickens County Sheriff: 'Pray for rain' (Latest forecast here) Friday morning update from Pickens County officials: Friday morning update from SCDNR: Pickens County has closed Sassafras Mountain Overlook and the road leading up to it. F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway is also closed.Friday morning update from South Carolina Forestry Commission:Friday morning update from City of Greenville: Emergency Operations moved to OPCON 1 (full alert, disaster occurring) on Thursday, activating all agency personnel. Fire apparatuses and manpower deployed from across the state Aerial operations resumed after a halt due to low visibility1,386 structures are within the evacuation area150 people are sheltering in place129 people are evacuated3 people were rescuedNo homes are damaged No injuries are reportedThe primary shelter at First Baptist Church in Marietta is serving 22 evacuees. Further evacuations are possible. A second shelter is on standby.Donations to help first responders are accepted at Trailside Church, 6711 State Park Road in Travelers Rest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and tomorrow and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Requests include first aid and hygiene items (eye drops, nasal spray, wipes, lozenges, superglue, Gold Bond, safety goggles/glasses), packaged snacks and electrolyte packets.Thursday night update from the South Carolina Forestry Commission:While the Table Rock Fire grew significantly today, the Persimmon Ridge Fire saw only modest expansion. The weather conditions that created such dramatic fire activity yesterday were much milder today, allowing crews to strengthen firebreaks along key expanses of both fires.No new calls for evacuations were necessary, although existing evacuations remain in place for the same areas east of the Table Rock Fire that were announced yesterday.Weather conditions tomorrow are a concern for increased fire activity, as relative humidity is expected to fall to 23%, and wind gusts could reach nearly 30 mph.A complex incident management team (CIMT) has been shadowing with existing incident command staff all day to ensure a smooth transition tomorrow and throughout the next few weeks as the overall response effort grows.Aviation support was particularly strong today, as one very large air tanker (VLAT) and four LATs dropped retardant on the northern edge of the fire. SLED and SCNG helicopters also dropped water on both fires today, as did the Forestry Commission’s contracted single-engine air tankers (SEATs). It is interesting to note that today was the first drop by a VLAT in South Carolina history.A video sent to WYFF News 4 by Paul Robert Fernander shows that VLAT dropping fire retardant on the wildfire in Table Rock.Officials remind people that it is illegal to fly drones into wildfire areas. There are FAA restrictions when drones are up in an area where helicopters and small planes have clearance.TABLE ROCK FIRE:According to infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight at 4:30 p.m., the Table Rock Fire is now estimated to be 8,679 acres, growing almost exclusively on the northern and western sides of the fire. The fire burned up to the North Carolina state line in several different places.The containment lines on the eastern side of the fire are holding very well so far, as are those on the south, which were fortified by burnouts in and around Table Rock State Park. The eastern containment is particularly good news because so many homes lie beyond the existing firebreaks. Crews will continue strengthening these lines in the coming days.PERSIMMON RIDGE FIRE:The Persimmon Ridge Fire grew to 1,992 acres today, but with most of the additional acreage the result of burnouts that crews were able to conduct between existing firebreaks and the active fire.Tomorrow firefighters hope to complete burnouts of existing unburned areas and focus on improving and holding existing firebreaks.Thursday evening update from the South Carolina Forestry Commission:As of 7:30 p.m., the Table Rock Wildfire is 8679 acres in size at 0% containment.As of 7:30 p.m., the Persimmon Ridge Wildfire is 1992 acres in size at 0% containment.This brings the Table Rock complex wildfires to a combined total of 10,671 acres in size.The 2016 Pinnacle Mountain Fire grew to 10,623 acres in Pickens County. This fire was the largest and costliest wildfire recorded in Upstate history.Thursday afternoon information from United Way of Pickens County: *Help us spread the word.* PICKENS COUNTY RESIDENTS: If you have been displaced by the ongoing fires, please dial 2-1-1 (1-866-892-9211) to learn about the Airbnb Emergency Stay program. Please note this temporary service is only available for Pickens County, SC residents displaced by the current fires. You must meet the eligibility criteria to qualify.Thursday morning update from Greenville County Emergency Management: Evacuations continue for parts of Greenville and Pickens CountiesSpecifically for residents of Oil Camp Creek Road, east to River Falls Road, south to Highway 11, and west to West Gate Road. More than 1400 structures have been evacuated so far. There have been no damages to homes. Crews are monitoring wind gusts, which are not expected to be as strong as in previous days but could still reach 10-15 mph. Officials are continually working to mitigate and contain the fires in the area. Evacuation Shelter: Marietta First Baptist Church (2936 Geer Hwy, Marietta SC 29661)For additional information about evacuations, please call the Table Rock Complex Information Line at (864) 467-3428 is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Thursday morning update from Pickens County: We currently have an average of 400 first responders working the Table Rock Complex Fire. We would like to open back up the request for citizen donations consisting of the list below:Gold BondMole SkinSafety Glasses/GogglesBandanasDuct TapeSuper GlueMouthwash (Travel Size)Dude WipesBrown Lunch Bags (#12)Little Debbie CakesNapkinsProtein Rich SnacksEye DropsNasal SprayDry Mouth LozengesLiquid IV/Electrolyte Packets Please take ALL donations to the MARKET AT THE MILL. They will be open for donations Wednesday-Saturday from 8:00am-4:00pm. Signs will be posted to direct you to the drop off location.Thursday morning update from SC Forestry Commission: Doug Wood with the SC Forestry Commission he said that the last measured acres burned was 4,556 at Table Rock and 1,553 at Persimmon Ridge. However, he mentioned that as soon as the infrared flight made this assessment (2pm yesterday), winds started gusting and fire crew saw the fire grow. So these fires are larger than last reported, and they anticipate updating those numbers later today.Thursday morning road closure: Highway 11 between West Gate and Pumpkintown is closed to allow unobstructed traffic for emergency vehicles working the fire. The detour route is pictured below. Traffic will be routed off from West Gate to Hickory Hollow Road and from the north at Highway 11 and Highway 8. This will connect to Highway 288 and bring you back out to continue travel on Highway 11. Thank you in advance for your cooperation as our responders work to get water and equipment to needed locations as quickly as possible.Thursday morning weather update: Wednesday night update:As of 10 p.m., the South Carolina Forestry Commission reports the Table Rock Wildfire has grown to 4556 acres in size with 0% containment.As of 10 p.m., the South Carolina Forestry Commission reports the Persimmon Ridge Wildfire has grown to 1553 acres in size with 0% containment.Wednesday evening update:The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particulates for:All of Pickens and Oconee Counties, and Northern Portions of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties in South Carolina until 12 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, March 27th. An Air Quality Alert means that the fine particulate concentrations within the specified areas may approach or exceed unhealthy standards due to local wildfire smoke.Mountainous Portions of Greenville County in South Carolina until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 27th. An Air Quality Alert means that the fine particulate concentrations within the specified areas may approach or exceed unhealthy standards due to local wildfire smoke.Winds will turn out of the north-northeast across the mountainous terrain of South Carolina this evening. This is expected to push smoke from the Table Rock wildfire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge wildfire in Greenville County southward into parts of the Upstate. As winds become light and variable across the foothills late tonight, stable conditions will enhance the noticeability of smoke, especially for locations along and north of a line from Clemson to Travelers Rest. Light winds will pick up out of the south-southwest by midday Thursday, which will disperse and transport the smoke into the mountainous portion of Greenville County and North Carolina by early afternoon Thursday.SCDES recommends that individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spent outdoors and/or move all activities indoors to avoid the smoke or fine particulates. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke and fine particulates from getting inside. Please note that locations closest to the wildfire activity are more likely to experience smoke at any given time. Anytime you see or smell smoke, take necessary precautions.Wednesday afternoon update:Mandatory evacuations in Transylvania County: A curfew has been placed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for southern Transylvania County.It has been determined that an immediate mandatory evacuation of the area covering on the south side of East Fork Rd from Glady Fork Rd intersection to the intersection of East Fork Rd and Greenville Hwy and then turning right (south) on Greenville Hwy (Hwy 276S) and covering the area on the west side of Greenville Hwy all the way to South Carolina.A shelter for evacuees is open at the Transylvania County Recreation Center at 1078 Ecusta Road.Mandatory evacuations extended: Affected roads:Ashtabula RdAsia Li LnAudies Camp RdBack Park RdBethany Cove DrBethel TerBetween the Lakes RdBird Song TrlBlue Mountain WayBluff Ridge RdBobcat DrBridle DrBurgess Gap RdBusted Rock RdCaesars Head HwyChaney Hill RdCherry Blossom LnChief Outacite LnCisson Ridge RdCold Mountain ViewCompass Rose RdCougar TrlCountry Creek DrCripple Creek RdCrystal Creek CtCunne Shote RdCurts WayDogwood Mountain RdDry Lake RdDuckwood LnElizabeth DrEpworth Hill CirFish Hawk RdGaines Lodge RdGnome Hill LnGreen Acres DrGum Gap Access TrlGum Gap TrlHappy Acres RdHardin RdHardwood LnHatchery LnHemlock LnHummingbird TerHunters DrHwy 11Jane's LnKalijah LnLakeside Shelter RdLedge RdLifeguard LnLocust RdgLodge View RdLynne WayMary Fraser WayMastes Valley LnMisty Mountain WayMohawk DrMulligan Ford Hill RdOld Chimney LnPinnacle Pavilion RdPleasant Grove RdPrayer Mountain RdPumpkin LnPumpkin Mountain RdRainfall CtRaven Cliff RdRaven CtRescue Access RdRidge Springs RdRiver Bluff RdRiver RdRock Cliffe TrlRockcrest RdRockcrest RdgRockview CtRocky RdS Saluda RdSaluda Hill RdSaluda Shore DrScenic CirShepherd Springs DrShop RdState Line RdT R Campground RdTable Rock State Park RdTrinity TrlTurkey Mountain RdTuscarora LoopUnnamed RdWalker Creek DrWayside DrWeaver Creek TrlWesley Meadow LnWest Gate RdWhite Oaks LnWild Brook DrWinding TrlWindward CtWotawok TrlYesterday's mandatory evacuation is still in effect. Do not return home.Wednesday morning latest from Greenville County Emergency Management: SCDOT has CLOSED Geer Hwy (US 276) in BOTH directions from Echo Dr. Ext. to SC Hwy 8 due to the Table Rock Complex fires.If you are affected by the Table Rock or Persimmon Ridge Fires, also known as the Table Rock Complex, evacuation information is AVAILABLE by calling 864-467-3428. Both fires are growing due to dry air and gusty winds. Wednesday morning latest from South Carolina Forestry Commission: Extreme fire behavior on both incidents Tuesday prompted immediate mandatory evacuations in Greenville and Pickens counties and led to significant expansion of both fires’ perimeters.The evacuation shelter for all affected residents is Marietta First Baptist Church at 2936 Geer Hwy, Marietta SC 29661). All roads in both counties are listed on the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ForestryCommish/Incident command staff has ordered a complex incident management team (CIMT) to join firefighters and other cooperator personnel in the ongoing effort to suppress the Table Rock Fire and Persimmon Ridge Fire. The CIMT is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, shadow with current IMT personnel Thursday and integrate to form a larger command team by Friday. Incident officials also have ordered eight 20-person hand crews to assist with constructing firelines well outside of originally planned firebreaks. While good progress was made on strengthening firebreaks on some portions of both fires earlier in the day, wind gusts dramatically increased fire activity later in the afternoon, resulting in greater, visible fire intensity and much more smoke. The abundance of downed timber from Hurricane Helene remains dry from the lack of significant rain, contributing greatly to the extreme fire behavior today as well. The weather forecast overnight and tomorrow remains concerning, with wind gusts expected to reach around 30 mph tonight, minimum 20% relative humidity Wednesday and periods of windy gusts throughout the day.• Multiple aircraft dropped water and/or retardant on both fires throughout the day (see detail on each fire below).TABLE ROCK FIRE: Despite very good progress fortifying containment lines on the eastern edge of the fire, including a burnout on the northeastern perimeter that otherwise prevented further spread eastward, the Table Rock Fire expanded greatly in the other direction today. The Table Rock Fire is now estimated to be 2, 293 acres. The Table Rock Fire, whose northern edge yesterday was just south of Table Rock Reservoir, essentially burned westward along the forested watershed and eventually back east, halfway around the lake’s northern perimeter. The fire is estimated to have burnt all the way through the southern slopes of Rocky Mountain and Buzzard Mountain, eventually reaching Brushy Knob at last report. Containment lines on the southern portion of the fire were connected by hand crews today, working in steep, littered terrain where heavy equipment is not able to operate. A burnout of this southern section was successful in removing remaining fuels between the firebreaks and the active fire. Two SCNG Black Hawk helicopters dropped water on the fire throughout the day. As fire activity increased in the afternoon, a SLED helicopter and two SCNG Chinooks moved to the Table Rock Fire to assist with additional water drops.PERSIMMON RIDGE FIRE: The Persimmon Ridge Fire expanded its eastern, western and southern of its Monday perimeters today, tripling in size to 996 acres, owing to the same conditions that led to the expansion of the Table Rock Fire. Today two large air tankers (LATs) began making multiple fire retardant drops on the Persimmon Ridge Fire around 2:40 p.m. to help slow the fire’s spread if it jumps the established firelines or continues to spread west and/or south. The first several drops were made along the northern perimeter, along Oil Camp Creek Road, and the western perimeter. Drops continued throughout the afternoon along the other edges of the fire in an intensive effort to contain the fire in a “box” ringed with retardant. LATs can carry between 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of retardant, which alter the way the fire burns, primarily by decreasing fire intensity and slowing its spread. They contain a combination of retardant salts (typically fertilizers) and water that aid in the uniform dispersal of the chemical over the target area. Two SCNG Chinook helicopters also dropped water on the fire, dipping from nearby lakes, before the LATs arrived to drop retardant.PARTNER UPDATES: Greenville and Pickens County Emergency Management services. Both Greenville and Pickens County Emergency Management services rapidly coordinated the simultaneous evacuations, shelter accommodations and wireless emergency alert (WEA) notifications that were sent to residents in the affected areas. SC State Fire: SC State fire has ordered 20 engines and 10 brush trucks for structure protection due to the new fire growth/threat and evacuations. This will add to their existing presence of six engine companies, three battalion chiefs and four brush trucks.South Carolina Forestry CommissionREMINDER ABOUT STATEWIDE BURNING BAN: A statewide burning ban issued Friday, March 21 remains in effect. A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state. The ban is remaining in place for several reasons. Fire danger will be elevated over the next several days as most of the state is forecast to have low relative humidities and higher-than-normal winds, coupled with drying fuels from a lack of significant rain. It also helps ease the strain on statewide firefighting resources with so many personnel from the Forestry Commission and local fire departments committed to the Table Rock Complex. Officials will reevaluate conditions Thursday.