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PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 37
POSTAL CUSTOMER
NOVEMBER 24 - 30, 2016
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Smoke plumes may last through Christmas By Sally Mahan
The smoke in the air in Beaufort County could last through Christmas, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Numerous large wildfires within the Southern Appalachian Mountain Region are producing and will continue to produce large smoke plumes. These smoke plumes are expected to create unhealthy breathing conditions where the smoke is most concentrated. Smoke from these fires can irritate the eyes and respiratory system as well as aggravate or ex-
Wildfires in upper South Carolina, like the one shown here, along with other fires in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, have burned thousands of acres across the Southeast. Photo by Cheryl Lynn O'Connell, provided by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
acerbate chronic heart and lung disease. People living across the Southeast have been dealing with a thick
haze of smoke that's drifted from more than 30 wildfires burning in the Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachian Mountains, accord-
ing to experts. Climatologists and forestry officials warn the situation could continue for weeks because of an ongoing drought. "We're preparing to be in this situation through Christmas," said Dave Martin, deputy director of operations for Fire and Aviation Management at the U.S. Forest Service Southern Region, in Atlanta, in a release. Huge wildfires across several southern states have reportedly landed more than 200 people in the hospital and scorched about 119,000 acres in eight states as of Nov. 21.
According to the U.S. States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, there are 32 uncontained large fires nationwide, most of which were concentrated in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky. Droughts are to blame for many of the blazes, the Associated Press reported, although arson is suspected in some areas. "There are places getting ready to set records for most numbers of days in a row without rain," Alabama climatologist John Cristy See SMOKE, page A9
Giving thanks for a giving community Parents, teachers and the entire Lower School (K-4) at Beaufort Academy held its annual Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 18 on school grounds. After a few seasonal songs by Elyse Larew’s music class, it was on to the food where they all dined on traditional Thanksgiving fixings prepared by the parents. Meanwhile, others around the Beaufort community are gearing up to provide Thanksgiving meals for the needy. The 37th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Parish Church of St. Helena will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24, at Parish Hall at 507 Newcastle St. There will be a worship service at 11 a.m. Carry-out meals are available from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for those who want to carry meals to the elderly or home-bound. Visit sthelenas1712.org or call See THANKS, page A9
Beaufort Academy Music teacher Elyse Larew, left, uses hand signals as her students sing for their parents prior to the annual Thanksgiving Feast. Photo by Bob Sofaly.
Chamber fire determined to be accident, electrical issue The fire that destroyed the new Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce was accidental and was caused by electrical issues, according to the ATF National Response Team and its partners, the city of
Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department (COB/TPR FD) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The building, at 711 Bladen St., went up in flames on Nov. 12.
ISLAND GIRLS NIGHT OUT Everyone had a fabulous Island Girls Night Out at Massage Envy at Cross Creek Shopping Center.
LEE SCOTT
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Beaufort County gets a welcome visit from the many folks removing Hurricane Matthew debris.
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The fire started between the first and second floors in a space that had no access. This space is common in modern construction techniques and exists due to the engineered truss systems that are utilized in vertical
construction, according to a release. After initial framing and utilities are placed, spaces like this one are sealed off permanently, as See ACCIDENT, page A9
INSIDE Lowcountry Life A2 In Other News A3 Business A4-7 Health A8 From The Front A9 Community B1
Around Town B2 Schools B3 B4 Sports Events B7 Directory B8 Classifieds B9