North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce

270 Highway 17 North

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Contact:  Jennifer Prince, Media/Communications Specialist

Jennifer@northmyrtlebeachchamber.com

Phone:  843- 281-2662

Fax:  843-280-2930

Release Date: 4/23/09

North Myrtle Beach, SC- A state of emergency has been declared for the Barefoot Resort section of North Myrtle Beach and parts of Horry County for the 15,000 acres of land that have burned and continue to burn today as a result of a brush fire that began on Wednesday, April 22nd.  The affected area is west of the Intracoastal Waterway and is no threat to the oceanfront or areas east of the waterway. At a 2:00 pm press conference today the City of North Myrtle Beach reported that the fires affecting our city have been contained.  Approximately 2,500 persons were evacuated Wednesday evening from the affected area of Horry County and the Barefoot Resort area of North Myrtle Beach.

The NMB Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of accommodations from its members for those who have been affected by the evacuation.  In addition, we have a list of pet friendly locations for those with animals.  The American Red Cross is coordinating this effort.  For more information you can call the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau toll free at (877) 332-2662 for the complete list.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau advises the following to visitors:

• There have been no reports of area golf courses being closed with the exception of Barefoot Resort courses. At press time Barefoot Resorts remains closed to the public, including their golf courses until further notice.

• Vacationers visiting North Myrtle Beach this week and weekend should not be affected.

• There are no reports of major disruptions to hotels or visitor attractions other than Barefoot Resort, which has experienced temporary loss of power. Guests have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

• To avoid traffic congestion, it is recommended that drivers avoid Hwy 22 and Hwy 31.

The positive response received by the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce CVB for emergency accommodations and services has been overwhelming according to Marc Jordan, President/CEO. 

“We have more than 600 rooms, condos, and vacation homes available, which have been offered by our members for this unfortunate event.”

“We have also been offered accommodations for pets and large animals such as horses.”  Jordan continued. “This is what makes North Myrtle Beach such a special place to visit and live. Everyone pitches in to help at times like this.” 

The chamber will be releasing more information regarding the wildfire as it becomes available.

Visitors may also call the following numbers for further information:

• Horry County Information: (843) 915-5150

• North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau toll free: (877) 332-2662

Press questions may be directed to the following contacts:

For the latest news:

Lisa Bourcier

Public Information Officer

Horry County

Cell: 843-915-5390

bourcier@horrycounty.org

For Visitor information:

Marc Jordan, President/CEO

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce CVB

Cell: (843) 241-2108

Marc@NorthMyrtleBeachChamber.com

###