Authorities have charged 40-year-old Alexandra Bialousow with starting a massive wildfire in Carolina Forest that destroyed over 2,000 acres and forced the evacuation of several neighborhoods. The South Carolina Forestry Commission arrested Bialousow on Thursday, charging her with negligently allowing fire to spread to lands of another and violating fire regulations.
According to officials, Bialousow started a fire in a backyard fire pit last Saturday in the Covington Lakes community. The fire was meant to burn debris but was placed dangerously close to a tree line. Investigators say Bialousow failed to have an appropriate water source or garden tools available to control the fire, causing it to spread uncontrollably onto land owned by Walker Woods HOA.
The state of South Carolina and Horry County were also under a burn ban at the time, which Bialousow allegedly violated. As a result, the fire quickly spread and consumed more than 2,000 acres, prompting mass evacuations across at least seven neighborhoods in Carolina Forest.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several days before it was contained. Residents expressed outrage after learning the fire could have been prevented had Bialousow taken proper precautions or abided by the burn ban.
If convicted, Bialousow faces up to 60 days in prison and a $400 fine. However, in light of the devastating fire, South Carolina District 56 State Representative Tim McGinnis announced plans to propose stricter penalties for illegal burning to prevent future disasters.
One of the notable causes of wildfires in the Carolina’s is human activity, including arson, outdoor burning, and equipment malfunctions. Lightning strikes also play a role in igniting some wildfires, especially in remote, wooded areas.
