Yesterday, we initially reported on the activation of both the South Carolina National Guard and the South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force) in response to the Table Rock wildfire—the largest wildfire in South Carolina’s history. Since their activation, the coordinated response has significantly advanced containment efforts. The South Carolina Air National Guard has deployed Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, unloading thousands of gallons of water over the fire-stricken zones. On the ground, State Guard troops have played a crucial role in managing the complex flow of personnel and resources entering the operational area. Their responsibilities include conducting daily morning briefings, updating status reports essential to Incident Command, and ensuring uninterrupted logistical support for fire crews. This logistical effort has encompassed the distribution of resources, coordination of critical equipment and supplies, and making sure firefighting personnel have the necessary tools, communications, and sustenance to carry out their mission in difficult conditions.
As of early Monday morning, significant progress had been made toward containment. South Carolina State Guard forces continued their vital support roles, with personnel readying for another day assisting firefighting crews and Incident Command. The Table Rock wildfire had consumed a staggering 12,590 acres since it ignited on March 21, including 574 acres across the border in Transylvania County, North Carolina. This surpasses the 2016 Pinnacle Mountain blaze, previously the largest in the state’s history at 10,000 acres. Encouragingly, containment lines are beginning to hold. According to South Carolina Forestry Commission spokesman Russell Hubright, 30% of the Table Rock fire is now contained—an enormous improvement from the end of last week when containment remained at 0%.
Persimmon Ridge, another major blaze within the Table Rock Complex, had expanded to over 2,000 acres but has reached a 66% containment rate as of Monday afternoon. These gains are largely credited to shifts in weather conditions over the weekend. Humidity levels in Pickens and Greenville counties increased ahead of a storm system, which brought needed rainfall on Monday. According to Hubright, these moderated conditions allowed crews to carry out a major burnout operation on the west side of Table Rock, dramatically slowing the fire’s spread. Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship called the rain “an absolute blessing,” while SCETV Chief Meteorologist Tim Miller stated the storm system offered crews the best opportunity yet to suppress the fire.
This change in weather, combined with tireless work from fire crews, including round-the-clock ground and aerial operations, has significantly improved the outlook. Firefighters continue the arduous task of flipping smoldering debris, drenching hotspots, and reinforcing firebreaks to ensure the flames do not reignite. The grueling nature of the work has paid off—evacuation orders have now been lifted throughout the affected areas, and local law enforcement is scaling back roadblock operations. Patrols will remain in place at key entry points, but full road closures are no longer necessary. Sheriff Blankenship also noted that criminal charges could soon be filed against those believed to be responsible for the blaze. The South Carolina Forestry Commission is leading the investigation and is expected to seek arrest warrants imminently. Initial reports last week suggested a group of teens may have ignited the fire while hiking in the area.
This multi-agency operation—featuring the South Carolina National Guard, South Carolina State Guard, federal responders, state forestry officials, and local law enforcement—demonstrates the power of unified response efforts. We applaud the South Carolina State Guard for stepping up and playing a pivotal role in assisting the National Guard and civil authorities. Their dedication, coordination, and logistical expertise have proven indispensable in the fight against this unprecedented natural disaster.
Here is a news report of Major David Finleyson of The South Carolina State Guard giving an update on the Joint Task Force operation:
Day 4, Table Rock Wildfire, 0600: South Carolina State Guard forces prepare for another day assisting fire fighting crews and Incident Command as they prepare to resume activities.
A big thank you to MAJ Andy Brown and his team at the Table Rock Wildfire Complex who have been providing assistance to the Incident Command. Job well done!!!
Sources: South Carolina Public Radio – South Carolina State Guard – South Carolina National Guard – FOX Carolina YouTube –
