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A wildfire that has burned over 13,000 acres in South Carolina and North Carolina was ignited by three teenagers who failed to properly extinguish their cigarettes while hiking in Table Rock State Park. The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that the fire started on March 21 when first responders, searching for a missing hiker, discovered the rapidly spreading blaze.
The suspects, Nyzaire Jah-Neiz Marsh, 19, Tristan Tyler, 18, and Isaac Wilson, 18, were arrested on Tuesday (April 1) and charged with negligently allowing fire to spread to lands or property of another, a misdemeanor. A fourth suspect, a juvenile, was also charged and released into the custody of his parents. Each of the three adults was released on a $7,500 bond. If convicted, they face up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $200, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
The Table Rock Fire has led to the evacuation of over 1,400 homes and businesses, with fire crews from multiple states working to contain the blaze, which was 30% contained as of Tuesday. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency to support firefighting efforts, and a burning ban was issued for all counties due to the elevated wildfire risk.
The fire has been exacerbated by dry conditions, as South Carolina is in its annual wildfire season, with much of the vegetation either dead or dormant. The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies the region as either abnormally dry or in moderate drought. Rainfall has recently helped reduce fire activity, but the danger remains high.