- विज्ञापन -
Myrtle Beach: A 40-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been arrested for allegedly starting a wildfire that destroyed over 2,000 acres of land. The accused, Alexandra Bialousow, has been charged with endangering lives and property after authorities traced the fire’s origin to a backyard fire pit that quickly got out of control.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that Bialousow was arrested on Thursday. She faces charges for negligently allowing a fire to spread and igniting a fire in woodland or grassland areas without taking proper precautions.
Witnesses told authorities they saw Bialousow starting the fire on Sunday in a backyard fire pit near a tree line in the Covington Lakes Subdivision. According to the arrest warrant, she failed to maintain an adequate water supply or firefighting equipment, which allowed the fire to spread to property owned by the Walker Woods Homeowners Association.
The fire, which became known as the Covington Drive Fire near Myrtle Beach, quickly grew into one of the largest wildfires among the over 175 reported across South Carolina that week. As of Saturday afternoon, the fire was 55% contained, with no major injuries reported.
The state’s dry weather conditions have worsened the wildfire situation, burning over 4,000 acres and prompting several evacuations. In response, Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Sunday and imposed a statewide ban on burning.
“Those who violate this ban will face criminal prosecution,” McMaster warned.
Bialousow is scheduled to appear in court on April 15. If convicted, she could face up to 30 days in jail or fines for each charge. Neither Bialousow nor the Myrtle Beach Police Department have made any public comments about the incident.
