South Carolina Woman Arrested for Causing Devastating 2,059-Acre Wildfire in Myrtle Beach
A South Carolina woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a massive wildfire that scorched over 2,000 acres, forced evacuations, and put hundreds of homes in danger near Myrtle Beach.
Alexandra Bialousow, 40, was taken into custody on Thursday after an investigation revealed she had allegedly started the fire in a backyard fire pit near a tree line within the Covington Lakes Subdivision in Carolina Forest on March 1.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, multiple neighbors reported seeing Bialousow intentionally igniting the fire, but authorities say she failed to take the necessary precautions to prevent it from spreading.
The Rapid Spread of the Covington Drive Fire
What started as a small backyard burn quickly spiraled out of control. The inferno, dubbed the Covington Drive Fire, erupted Saturday afternoon and rapidly spread, consuming trees and dry vegetation across Horry County. The flames reached towering heights, turning the skies an eerie shade of orange, as smoke filled the air and billowed across the coastal region.
The wildfire forced emergency evacuations across several neighborhoods along the Grand Strand, an area just 10 miles from Myrtle Beach, a well-known tourist destination. Authorities rushed to contain the blaze, calling in firefighters from local, state, and regional departments.
State of Emergency Declared
As the flames raged, the South Carolina National Guard deployed Black Hawk helicopters to assist in firefighting efforts. Officials declared a state of emergency, bringing in additional resources to battle the fire and prevent further damage.
At the height of the inferno, firefighters worked around the clock to combat the spread. Specialized aircraft dropped thousands of gallons of water on hot spots to prevent flare-ups. Crews worked tirelessly to create firebreaks to slow the fire’s progress.
By Friday, March 8, firefighters had successfully contained 55% of the fire, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. While no homes or structures were destroyed, the blaze left behind a charred landscape and thick layers of smoke in the area. Authorities confirmed that, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities had been reported.
Bialousow’s Charges and Arrest
Bialousow was charged with:
- Negligently allowing fire to spread to lands or property of another
- Starting a fire in woodlands, grasslands, or other areas without taking the proper precautions
The charges highlight the dangers of careless burning, especially in dry or windy conditions, which can quickly lead to devastating wildfires.
She was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Thursday afternoon and later posted a $15,000 bond on Friday, according to jail records.
Lessons from the Myrtle Beach Wildfire
The Covington Drive Fire serves as a stark reminder of how a small, poorly managed fire can escalate into a major disaster. Authorities stress the importance of following safety regulations when burning debris, including:
✔️ Keeping a water source or fire extinguisher nearby
✔️ Never leaving a fire unattended
✔️ Clearing dry vegetation from the area before starting a fire
✔️ Avoiding open burns on windy days
Officials continue to monitor the wildfire’s containment progress, urging residents to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor burning activities.
This incident highlights the severe consequences of negligence, particularly in regions prone to dry conditions. Bialousow now faces legal repercussions, and her case serves as a cautionary tale for others.
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