VIDEO/PHOTOS: Monday marked 15 years since the massive and destructive wildfire on Highway 31 that consumed more than 19,000 acres.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission said it was the most destructive wildfire in South Carolina history and was started by an escaped debris burn near Myrtle Beach. The blaze, known as the Highway 31 Fire, destroyed 76 homes, damaged another 97 and forced the evacuation of more than 4,000 residents. The South Carolina Forestry Commission urges all citizens to exercise vigilance when conducting outdoor burning of any kind and always heed weather, wind and burning advisories.