[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   WILDFIRE IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, our hearts go out to the people of North 
Myrtle Beach, SC, today. As you may know, North Myrtle Beach 
firefighters, along with firefighters from around South Carolina, are 
battling the worst wildfire to hit that area since 1976.
  While the cause of the fire is unknown at this point, high winds have 
fanned the flames resulting in a total damage of nearly 15,000 acres--
23 square miles. My understanding is that officials on the scene 
estimate that the wildfire is about 75 to 80 percent contained at this 
point which is good news. Ninety firefighters from eight different 
departments from across South Carolina are currently battling this 
blaze.
  It is at times like these when you really appreciate the hard work 
that our firefighters do on our behalf. You also appreciate the 
dangers. I understand that last night, two of our South Carolina 
firefighters had to deploy their emergency fire shelters when they 
became surrounded by flames. Both, I am told, are unhurt.
  At this point, no injuries or fatalities have been reported and we 
should be very thankful for that. However, many have lost their homes. 
Seventy homes have been destroyed with another 29 severely damaged. I 
expect that that number, unfortunately, will likely go up. Anyone who 
has ever lost a home to a fire understands the sense of terrible loss--
the loss of the house they grew up in and the loss of irreplaceable 
family heirlooms.
  I want to thank North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley, the 
Governor, his emergency management team, the Forestry Commission, the 
State Fire Marshall, the State national guard, the officials of Horry 
County, the South Carolina Red Cross, and the others who are pitching 
in right now to put out this fire. My understanding is that the Red 
Cross has shelters open in North Myrtle Beach and is housing several 
hundred people tonight.
  I want to applaud our firefighters for always standing ready to 
answer the call to action. I pray that they accomplish their mission 
soon and come home safely to their families. And I pray for the 
families who have suffered devastating losses.

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