US: Woman arrested for allegedly sparking massive wildfire in South Carolina

A 40-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, named Alexandra Bialousow has been arrested for allegedly igniting a wildfire that burned over 2,059 acres. Authorities traced the fire back to a backyard fire pit that she used, which reportedly spiraled out of control. Bialousow is facing charges of endangering lives and property due to her negligence.

According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, Bialousow was arrested on Thursday after witnesses reported seeing her start the fire near a tree line in the Covington Lakes Subdivision. The fire spread rapidly because Bialousow failed to maintain appropriate water supplies or firefighting equipment nearby, contributing to its expansion into an area owned by the Walker Woods Homeowners Association.

The wildfire, named the Covington Drive Fire, became one of the largest among more than 175 wildfires that have occurred in South Carolina over the past week. As of Saturday afternoon, the fire was reported to be 55 percent contained, and thankfully, no major injuries have been reported as a result of the blaze.

Dry weather conditions have exacerbated the wildfire situation across the state, leading to the burning of over 4,000 acres and forcing several evacuations. In response to the growing crisis, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency and implemented a statewide burning ban, warning that violations of the ban could lead to criminal charges.

Bialousow is set to appear in Horry County court on April 15. If convicted of the charges against her, she could face up to 30 days in jail or fines for each offense. Neither she nor the Myrtle Beach Police Department has released any statements regarding the incident.