Monday, March 18, 2013

CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. (AP) -- The state forestry commission has lifted the red flag fire alert that been issued for all of South Carolina.

Commission spokesman Scott Hawkins says rain, higher relative humidity, cooler temperatures and a drop in winds prompted the decision Monday to lift the alert.

A burning ban remains in effect in Horry County.

Gov. Nikki Haley and state and local emergency preparedness officials on Monday afternoon planned to brief reporters on the fire at Windsor Green in Carolina Forest. The fire destroyed two dozen buildings in the condominium development Saturday night.

The forestry commission continues to investigate the cause of the fire, which destroyed more than 100 units. Officials say some of the condos were used as vacation homes and were not occupied.

(Copyright 2013, The Associated Press)