MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., July 5 (UPI) -- Firefighters in South Carolina used controlled burns to battle a wildfire that has burned hundreds of acres near Myrtle Beach, officials said.
Winds carried the fire, which started Sunday, away from the Avalon housing subdivision in the Carolina Forest, The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News reported Tuesday.
Controlled burns, called "burnouts," were set to use up the fuel the main fire would feed on and make sure the neighborhood was secure, officials said.
"It went really well," forestry spokesman Russel Hubright said. "It secured miles of fire break lines. Hopefully the people in Avalon won't be breathing much of that smoke."
Forecasters urged residents and vacationers in the Myrtle Beach area to monitor wind directions Tuesday because of the smoke.
Fire crews from across the state battled the fire, which was about 60 percent contained by Monday night, authorities said.
