As the Table Rock Complex Fire continues to expand, it has officially become the largest wildfire in South Carolina history, consuming over 13,000 acres and crossing into neighboring North Carolina. This massive wildfire surpasses the previous record set by the Pinnacle Mountain Fire in November 2016, which peaked at 10,623 acres.
Firefighting operations have been complicated by rugged terrain, drought conditions, and unpredictable weather patterns. As of Sunday evening, the Table Rock Fire remained just 9% contained, while the nearby Persimmon Ridge Fire was at 24% containment. The fires have triggered mandatory evacuations affecting more than 750 structures, and shelters have been opened to accommodate displaced residents in both South Carolina and North Carolina.
South Carolina National Guard’s Critical Air Operations
In response to this severe wildfire event, soldiers from the South Carolina National Guard’s 59th Aviation Troop Command have been actively supporting firefighting efforts from the air. Aviation units from the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion at McEntire Joint National Guard Base and the 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion stationed at Donaldson Center in Greenville have conducted extensive water-dropping operations.
As of Sunday evening, South Carolina National Guard helicopter crews have performed 707 water drops, totaling nearly 850,000 gallons delivered over more than 108 flight hours. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, equipped with 600-gallon water buckets, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, capable of delivering up to 2,000 gallons per drop, have been critical in limiting fire spread and protecting threatened areas.
Brigadier General Robin B. Stilwell emphasized the National Guard’s commitment, stating, “Our soldiers are proud to assist our state partners in protecting communities and natural resources. We remain committed to providing the necessary support to mitigate the impact of these wildfires and keep our communities safe.”
South Carolina State Guard Provides Essential Ground Support
Joining the extensive multi-agency firefighting effort, troops from the South Carolina State Guard (SCSG) arrived at Table Rock State Park to provide crucial logistical support. The SCSG initiated operations early at 0600 hours, managing the complex flow of personnel and resources into the operational zone, conducting morning briefings, and updating status reports critical to the firefighting effort.
Major Andy Brown, has been actively overseen logistics operations, reviewing updated situation maps and coordinating closely with frontline firefighters. SCSG personnel remain focused on ensuring fire crews receive uninterrupted logistical support, enabling them to concentrate fully on containment operations.
The State Guard’s logistical assistance includes managing resource distribution, coordinating equipment and supplies, and ensuring that fire crews have all necessary tools, communications, and sustenance required for this intense operation.
Nationwide Priority and Continued Vigilance
The Table Rock Complex Fire has become the highest-priority wildfire in the United States due to its size, complexity, evacuation scale, and threats to property and lives. An estimated 600 personnel, including frontline firefighters, logistical support teams, aviation crews, and emergency responders, are actively engaged in efforts to suppress the fires.
Foggy conditions have recently hampered air operations; however, increased ground moisture has aided firefighting efforts on the ground. Concerns remain regarding forecasted thunderstorms that may introduce dangerous lightning and wind conditions, potentially halting firefighting operations temporarily.
Statewide Burn Ban Adjustments
Due to continued dangerous conditions, burn bans remain in effect for Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties. While the statewide burn ban has been lifted in 41 counties, authorities stress the importance of continued vigilance due to persistent high fire danger expected through April.
South Carolina Forestry Commission Fire Chief Darryl Jones stated, “We can’t emphasize enough the importance of using fire prudently and respecting the weather.” Residents are urged to follow mandatory precautions and notify the Forestry Commission before conducting any outdoor burning.
Gratitude to Responders
The people of South Carolina express profound gratitude for the unwavering commitment and bravery shown by the members of the South Carolina National Guard and the State Guard during this unprecedented wildfire emergency. The coordinated response highlights how essential State Defense Forces like the SCSG are in supplementing and supporting National Guard operations, underscoring their importance in preserving lives, property, and natural resources.
Their joint efforts serve as a powerful reminder of how essential collaboration between state and military branches is to effective disaster response, especially in historic emergencies such as the Table Rock Complex Fire.
*UPDATE. Change OIC of Mission to Major Andy Brown per request from SCSG PAO
The South Carolina National Guard fire suppression missions at Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge continue to be supported by soldiers from the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion and 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command. As of March 28, 2025, our aircraft have completed 707 water drops, delivering 823,965 gallons of water over 76 flight hours. Average residential pools hold anywhere from 15,000 to 48,000 gallons, depending on size. Our Soldiers are dedicated to this effort and the people of South Carolina. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Elizabeth A. Schneider, South Carolina National Guard)
South Carolina State Guard forces arrived at Table Rock State Park today to began logistics assistance with efforts to contain and suppress the current fire
South Carolina State Guard troops are hard at work assisting fire crews at the Table Rock Wildfire event. BG Hollingsworth, DCG of the SCSG, is seen reviewing the latest situation map.
Operations began early at 0600 this morning, as SCSG personnel were responsible for organizing the flow of resources and crews into the operational zone to begin morning briefings and updated status reports.
The South Carolina State Guard continues to perform the logistics necessary to allow personnel at the Table Rock Wildfire to do their job and focus on keeping fire crews safe and well equipted.
Table Rock Wildfire Operations, Day 3 with the South Carolina State Guard. 0700 and our troops are already in the field as the Incident Staff prepares for another day fighting what is currently the #1 priority Wildfire in the United States.
Sources: Greenville News – Citizen Times – South Carolina State Guard – South Carolina National Guard
