MYRTLE BEACH IS OPEN AND UNTOUCHED BY WILDFIRES — WILDFIRES ARE WEST OF THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

Planning to head to Myrtle Beach for some R&R or a few rounds of golf soon?

There's no need to change your plans because of the wildfires you've seen or read about. Most of Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand is open for business.

Unfortunately, the wildfire coverage in the national media has left a confusing picture of just where the fires are burning. Fact is, everything east of the Intracoastal Waterway — which serves as a huge fire break — is fine.

When you see reports that the wildfires are in the “coastal area,” reporters are really talking in the broadest of terms. So don't be confused. There is no danger of fire BETWEEN the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean — which is what most visitors think of when they think of Myrtle Beach.

The area along the beaches, the oceanside hotels, the amusements and the golf courses are just fine. The fires are west of the Intracoastal Waterway.

If you need to get your bearings, a Yahoo map may help.

However, one word of caution. Pick your route into town carefully as drifting smoke has gone much farther westward and northward than the actual fire sites.

In addition, people with lung problems should check with their hotel or golf course before heading this way. North Myrtle Beach is experiencing a lot of smoke in the air which could affect anyone with breathing issues.

And while you should not have a problem getting lodging, keep in mind that many hotels (it makes us proud to report) have simply offered free rooms to those who fled the fires so it's a good idea to verify there are vacancies before you head to your favorite hotel.

The Myrtle Beach area is open for business and the weather is perfect for golf. Come visit soon!