WHEREAS, wildfires currently burning in Horry County have consumed over 1,500 acres of land and continue to spread and burn uncontrolled; and

WHEREAS, wildfire losses and commensurate threats to life and property in Horry County have reached emergency proportions; and

WHEREAS,the County of Horry has recorded no appreciable precipitation in the nine weeks since September 3, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service predicts that the dry conditions will probably continue for at least another five days; and

WHEREAS, by reasons of drought, low humidity, high winds, and other conditions, the forests, woodlands, farms, homes, businesses, and associated properties in Horry County are in serious danger of fires; and

WHEREAS, forest fires constitute a clear and present danger to public safety and welfare and to the property of citizens of this State.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me under the Constitution and the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as amended, I hereby declare that a state of emergency exists in Horry County, South Carolina. I also hereby direct that certain assets of the South Carolina National Guard, at the discretion of the Adjutant General and in coordination with SCEPD, be placed on state duty and order the utilization of the National Guard's fire suppression personnel to take all necessary action to provide Horry County with the delivery of critical equipment and services.

The provisions of this Executive Order shall remain in full force and effect until further order of this office.