Mandatory evacuations ordered as Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires rapidly spread, South Carolina
The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge wildfires grew rapidly on March 25, 2025, burning over 1 215 ha (3 000 acres) in South Carolina. The rapid growth prompted authorities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for Greenville and Pickens County on March 25.
Wildfires burning through South Carolina on March 24, 2025. Image credit: The South Carolina Forestry Commission
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued in Greenville and Pickens counties on March 25 due to extreme fire behavior.
The Table Rock Fire was estimated at approximately 468 ha (1 156 acres) and remained at 0 % containment after igniting at around 17:45 local time on March 21 at Table Rock State Park in Pickens County. By late March 25, the fire had expanded to 928 ha (2 293 acres). Reports indicate that four teenagers are suspected of starting the fire.
“Despite very good progress fortifying containment lines on the eastern edge of the fire, including a burnout on the northeastern perimeter that prevented further spread eastward, the Table Rock Fire expanded greatly in the other direction today,” the South Carolina Forestry Commission stated.
Two South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) Black Hawk helicopters conducted water drops on March 25. As fire activity intensified in the afternoon, a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) helicopter and two SCNG Chinooks were deployed to assist with additional water drops.
Downed timber from Hurricane Helene, combined with a lack of rainfall, strong winds, and dry conditions, continues to complicate firefighting efforts.
Incident command staff have requested a Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) to support firefighters and other personnel on March 27. Additional helicopters have also been added to enhance water-dropping capabilities.
The Persimmon Ridge Fire has tripled in size since its ignition on March 23, reaching approximately 403 ha (996 acres) as of March 25. Both the Persimmon Ridge Fire and the Table Rock Fire are human-caused and remain at 0 % containment.
“Two Large Air Tankers (LATs) began making multiple fire retardant drops on the Persimmon Ridge Fire at approximately 14:40 to help slow the fire’s spread if it jumps established firelines or continues to spread west and/or south,” said the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
“The initial drops were made along the northern perimeter, including Oil Camp Creek Road, and the western perimeter. Additional drops continued throughout the afternoon along other edges of the fire in an effort to contain the blaze within a ‘box’ enclosed by fire retardant.”
The statewide burn ban issued on March 21 remains in effect. The State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning—including yard debris, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires—in all unincorporated areas of the state.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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