Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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Officials: SC fire may have been set by someone
Posted: 03.18.2013 at 1:41 PM
Updated: 03.18.2013 at 7:40 PM
WACH Fox News Center

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Authorities say a fire that destroyed more than 100 homes in a Myrtle Beach condominium complex was likely set by someone.  / WPDE / Joel Allen
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH/AP) -- Authorities say a fire that destroyed more than 100 homes in a Myrtle Beach condominium complex was likely set by someone.

Investigators say the area where the fire started was trampled over by dozens of emergency personnel, so they likely will never know if the fire was started by accident, like a discarded cigarette, or intentionally.

Authorities also said Monday they have accounted for all 189 residents of the Windsor Green neighborhood. The fire destroyed 109 units in two-dozen buildings in the complex.

Gov. Nikki Haley toured the damage and talked to residents. She says it was a miracle no one died and praised emergency responders for saving hundreds of other homes.

Authorities say dozens of pets died and officials have set aside their remains for their owners.

"As the wind picked uo and the humidity dropped on Saturday, it got really busy really quick," said Jonathan Calore of the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

At one point, there were nearly 60 to 70 tractor units out on fires from the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Some tips for preventing wildfires:

1. Avoid burning debris (sticks, limbs, trash) when asked by the SC Forestry Commission.

2. Do not throw cigarettes onto the ground.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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