Blaze destroys dozens of buildings in Carolina Forest

CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. Investigators with the S.C. Forestry Commission are at the scene of the blaze that destroyed dozens of buildings in Carolina Forest.

Horry County Fire and Rescue officials told CBS Charleston, S.C. affiliate WCSC-TV the flames started Saturday afternoon as a brush fire and quickly spread to the Windsor Green housing complex.

Forestry Service spokesman Scott Hawkins says investigators will try to find out how the fire began.

The blaze at Windsor Green in Carolina Forest torched dozens of buildings Saturday night as winds and low humidity fed the fire.

Horry County authorities said one Windsor Green resident had a heart attack and was transported to a nearby hospital, reports WCVS. Three police officers were taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation. One firefighter was sent there, as well.

A Horry County spokeswoman says it was a very emotional scene at the Red Cross shelter as people learned they lost their homes and numerous pets.

Hawkins reminds residents that the Red Flag warning remains in effect, meaning weather conditions contribute to an elevated fire danger level.