Woman Arrested and Charged in Connection with 2,000-Acre Fire in South Carolina
A 40-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire that burned over 2,000 acres of land on March 1. Alexandra Bialousow is facing one count of arson/negligently allowing fire to spread to lands of another and one count of regulation of fires on certain lands, according to records from Horry County.
Fire Pit Ignites Massive Blaze
The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) determined that the fire was allegedly ignited by a fire pit on Bialousow’s property, leading to what is now known as the 2,000-acre Covington Drive Fire. It is believed that Bialousow failed to take the necessary precautions to prevent the debris burn from spreading and allowed the fire to reach “lands of another.”
Witnesses reported seeing Bialousow intentionally starting the fire in a backyard fire pit that was dangerously close to a tree line within the Covington Lakes Subdivision on March 1, according to a press release from the SCFC.
Negligence and Lack of Preparedness
An arrest warrant reveals that Bialousow did not have an appropriate water source readily available and lacked any garden tools to control the fire, which allowed it to spread to land owned by Walker Woods HOA.
Neighbors as Witnesses
Several neighbors witnessed the fire spreading, providing crucial evidence in the case, as stated in the warrant.
Evacuations and Minimal Damage
As a result of the fire, certain neighborhoods in the Carolina Forest area were evacuated on March 1. However, the evacuation order was lifted on Sunday. Fortunately, no structures were destroyed, and no injuries were reported.
Possible Consequences
If convicted, Bialousow could face imprisonment and fines. Following her arrest, she has been released from jail after posting a $7,500 bond.
