A woman from Myrtle Beach has been arrested in connection with a wildfire that consumed over 2,000 acres of land in South Carolina around March 1. Alexandra Bialousow, a 40-year-old resident, faces charges of arson/negligently allowing fire to spread to lands of another and regulation of fires on certain lands, as documented in Horry County records.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) identified a fire pit on Bialousow’s property as the alleged ignition point for the massive Covington Drive Fire. Authorities claim that Bialousow failed to take necessary precautions to prevent her debris burn from spreading and allowed the fire to encroach on neighboring lands. Witnesses reported seeing her intentionally start a fire in a backyard pit close to a tree line within the Covington Lakes Subdivision.
According to an arrest warrant, Bialousow lacked access to an appropriate water source or garden tools to manage the fire, ultimately leading to its spread onto land owned by Walker Woods HOA. The rapid expansion of the fire was witnessed by several neighbors, as detailed in the warrant.
### SCFC Investigation and Response
Law enforcement officials from the South Carolina Forestry Commission meticulously investigated the origins of the Covington Drive Fire and traced it back to the fire pit on Alexandra Bialousow’s property. The commission’s swift response and thorough examination of the incident allowed for the timely containment of the wildfire, preventing further destruction and safeguarding the affected communities.
U.S. Army Soldiers from the South Carolina Army National Guard, in collaboration with the SCFC and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, mobilized two Blackhawk Helicopters to support wildfire containment efforts in Horry County. Their coordinated actions helped mitigate the spread of the fire and protect the surrounding areas from the escalating threat of devastation.
### Community Impact and Recovery
The Covington Drive Fire prompted evacuations in select neighborhoods of the Carolina Forest region on March 1, ensuring the safety of residents in the vicinity. Fortunately, the evacuation orders were lifted on Sunday, with no reported injuries or structural damage resulting from the wildfire. The collective efforts of emergency responders, law enforcement agencies, and local residents played a crucial role in managing the crisis and averting potential disaster.
If convicted, Alexandra Bialousow could face imprisonment and fines as consequences of her alleged actions. Following her arrest, Bialousow posted a $7,500 bond and was subsequently released from custody. The implications of her charges underscore the seriousness of negligent behavior that can lead to catastrophic wildfires, emphasizing the importance of responsible land management and fire safety practices.
The Covington Drive Fire serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of wildfires and the critical need for vigilance in preventing their occurrence. As communities band together to overcome the aftermath of this natural disaster, the resilience and unity displayed in times of crisis shine through, illuminating the strength and spirit of the human resolve in the face of adversity.
