It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Greenville County Courthouse Building gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Greenville, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Working for Always Best Care was a blast! The schedule coordinator is only a phone”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is the best health care place to work at! It was”
“I was looking for 24 hr home care for my mother who was living alone”
“Always best care is a great company to work with! Holly is great at getting”
“Excellent company and employees. They always go above and beyond to make sure clients and”
“The company is amazing, in my whole heartedly honest opinion. I've been working there for”
“Always Best Care really lives up to its name! Bruce and Holly were incredible and”
“When my father fell and broke his arm, we needed help quickly as my mother”
“So I have known Bruce Meyer for quite some time now. He came at a”
“I’ve work for this company for about a month now. We are a family with”
“My wife is a recent former client of Always Best Care. The only reason we”
“I was recently in a motor vehicle accident and found myself needing 24 hour care.”
“Always Best Care has always been close to home, so to speak, and this was”
“Caring, compassionate and thorough. Professional and they listen to best meet your needs.”
“Wonderful caring people who go out of their way to ensure your loved ones are”
“What a journey we experienced with Always Best Care! They were with us every step”
“Bruce and his team at Always Best Care have been a tremendous help to many”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) in Greenville, SC for nearly”
“Staff is well screened and trained. Company is very professional and caring, they will find”
“When our mother needed in home care we researched other options before selecting Always Best”
“Bruce and his special team were with us every step of the way. A very”
“excellent owner and management staff. great caregivers. responsible, dedicated, trustworthy, dependable.”
“Always Best Care are the absolute BEST home care agency I have EVER worked for”
“We have been with ABC for about six months and could not be more pleased.”
“I have only been working for Always Best Care for about two months. And it”
“Working for Always Best Care was a blast! The schedule coordinator is only a phone call day or night. The learning environment is wonderful I never felt stupid asking questions. This is the best care company anyone could work for! It’s great to know that the company has your back. 10/10 recommend!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is the best health care place to work at! It was never just a job for me, it was so much more than that! You become so close to each other like family! The employees work as a team which makes it so much enjoyable! Thank you for all you’ve done for me ABC!!!”
“I was looking for 24 hr home care for my mother who was living alone after my Dad's passing. My mother also had Dementia. ABC was recommended by her PCP. I was immediately impressed with my 1st meeting with their Senior Program Coordinator. She took detailed notes about the daily routine. My mind was set at ease when she explained their COVID protocols which included wiping down surfaces, mask requirements and unannounced periodic supervisor check-ins on caregivers. Daily each caregiver maintained meticulous documentation on my mother's daily routines - when she got up - what she ate. They also handled mail sorting and other sensitive confidential information. I was particularly impressed with the professional and caring demeanor of the caregivers. Shift changes overlapped allowing caregivers time to share pertinent information and there was often training from senior caregivers to junior team members about handling transfers and safety. ABC is a first class well run home care providing company.”
“Always best care is a great company to work with! Holly is great at getting back to you and changing hours for the caregivers as needed, Bruce constantly is checking in to make sure the family has a support they need, and the caregivers go over and beyond!”
“Excellent company and employees. They always go above and beyond to make sure clients and coworkers needs are met.I have worked for this company for 23 years and I recommend this company for anyone looking for extra help for their loved ones.”
“The company is amazing, in my whole heartedly honest opinion. I've been working there for over a year and the office has always been there when I needed them. Bruce Meyer and Holly Jones are top notch in the office and work to help us caregivers/CNA's as well as our clients.”
“Always Best Care really lives up to its name! Bruce and Holly were incredible and gave consistent and professional care for our family member and went above and beyond on many occasions. I would recommend them heartily!!”
“When my father fell and broke his arm, we needed help quickly as my mother has Alzheimers. We meet with Bruce on Monday and by Wednesday, we had caregivers in the home 7/24. I've been a recruiter for 22 years and I know that finding good people is hard work. ABC has some fantastic employees and they have been a welcome addition to the home during this transition to Assisted Living. Bruce and his team answered our call day and night and responded quickly and professionally. There are always bumps when you are starting a new project, but it's how you handle them that is important. I have the utmost respect for Bruce and his team and I recommend them if you need care for a family member.”
“So I have known Bruce Meyer for quite some time now. He came at a time where I was struggling to find a job. God sure does work in amazing ways. He was the reason I said yes to the job. It wasn’t just another interview where they just hired anybody. It was a place where I could feel comfortable and not nervous and leave the “interview” knowing I had found a wonderful place to work for. I’ll never forget that day when I agreed to take it because of the words he spoke to me. He said “God is calling you to walk through the doors. “ That alone will tell you how wonderful he is and the care that he gives to those he believes is a good fit for the job. I have been working for Always Best Care since September of 2020. Ever since I started I knew I was in the right hands with the best company I could have ever asked for. They go above and beyond to give exceptional care/ support to the clients, families, and staff.I have heard nothing but positive feedback from anyone I come In contact to that receive their services. I am truly blessed to call this not only my job but my family.”
“I’ve work for this company for about a month now. We are a family with our client’s as our main priority!! The name doesn’t lie we Always give the Best Care, you won’t regret your decision with ABC.”
“My wife is a recent former client of Always Best Care. The only reason we are no longer using their services is she was approved for Medicaid. Bruce was great during his initial visit to find out my wife's needs. They were able to provide an aide very quickly. Cortney, the supervisor nurse, is awesome and went above and beyond. When an aide couldn't make it, they had someone else ready. All of the aides have been fantastic and will be missed.”
“I was recently in a motor vehicle accident and found myself needing 24 hour care. Always best care provided services for me for about 2 months. I feel like all the caretakers we’re capable and caring they certainly were a great help to me from cooking, to light cleaning, walking my dog, and helping with various needs I had. I would definitely recommend ABC for caretaking services!”
“Always Best Care has always been close to home, so to speak, and this was no different! Bruce & the team helped us out so much! They cared for my loved one just as if she was their own. And they even help with the transitions in life for when the need may arise. They are like family. If you ever have concerns, voice them, because they are willing to go the extra mile for you! ????”
“Caring, compassionate and thorough. Professional and they listen to best meet your needs.”
“Wonderful caring people who go out of their way to ensure your loved ones are treated right and cared for - would highly recommend!!”
“What a journey we experienced with Always Best Care! They were with us every step of the way. Professional, loving, and truly part of the family! We are forever grateful to their special team!”
“Bruce and his team at Always Best Care have been a tremendous help to many of my clients over the years. They provide services to seniors with the utmost in care and professionalism. I highly recommend Always Best Care!”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) in Greenville, SC for nearly 5 months. The responsiveness and value added provided by their service has been outstanding, always going the extra mile in terms of advice on how to deal with the complexities of medicare, and health insurance for the elderly, and in particular the difficulties of handling dementia in the case of a loved one. The ownership and staff provide great individualized attention to the specific needs of every single client. They will search for the right caregiver to provide the required level of care for you and your loved ones. I wholeheartedly endorse them. I would rate my experience with them a perfect 10.”
“Staff is well screened and trained. Company is very professional and caring, they will find the right fit to meet your needs.”
“When our mother needed in home care we researched other options before selecting Always Best Care. Bruce Meyer and his team of caregivers gave us the level of care and attention we were looking for. The ladies who attended to our mom were always on time and were always extremely loving and gentle. Our mom looked forward to the daily visits. We choose a non-fri schd of 8am - 12pm. When she later moved to more 24 hr nursing home requirements, her caregivers continued to stay in touch and became part of our extended family. Always Best Care will Always be our first option! Thanks again to this wonderful team.”
“Bruce and his special team were with us every step of the way. A very difficult journey and they carried us through it!”
“excellent owner and management staff. great caregivers. responsible, dedicated, trustworthy, dependable.”
“Always Best Care are the absolute BEST home care agency I have EVER worked for ! They truly appreciate and care about there caregivers and clients ! Bruce , Ashley and Jessica are truly one of a kind and I couldn’t have asked for a better home care agency to work for ! I 100% recommend them to care for your loved ones !”
“We have been with ABC for about six months and could not be more pleased. Ashley and Jessica make every effort to be sure our needs are meet. Bruce and Helen have been invaluable in helping with our long term care insurance. Our caregiver , Cat Sellers , has been a godsend. She has become a member of our family. She has a unique ablity to be both personal and professional. We look forward to her cheerful spirit each day. Thank you , ABC. Rev. and Mrs. Todd Walter.”
“I have only been working for Always Best Care for about two months. And it has been such a great experience. I been in healthcare for ten years. Have worked in nursing homes, assisted living, and home health. But this is by far the best company yet. They are truly some loving, gentle, and caring people to work for. Bruce, Jessica, and Ashley are awesome. I love that they don't mind getting in there and getting their hands dirty. But most of all, if I had a loved one that needed care, I would most definatley use Always Best Care. Why? Because I know they would be well taken care of. They show love for their workers. We are family at Always Best Care.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Legacy Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rick Erwin's West End Grille or visit The Wyche, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Greenville, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Greenville, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Greenville, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
...
South Carolina women's basketball continues on in March Madness with Friday's Sweet 16 game against 4-seed Maryland in Birmingham.
The Gamecocks (32-3) pulled away in the second half to beat Indiana in the second round on Sunday.
Maryland (25-7) outlasted Alabama in a double overtime victory in the second round on Monday to advance to the second weekend.
The winner will face the UNC-Duke winner in the Elite Eight on Sunday.
Here's how to watch the South Carolina vs Maryland in March Madness today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
South Carolina vs. Maryland will broadcast nationally on ESPN. Courtney Lyle and Carolyn Peck will call the game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, with Kris Budden reporting courtside. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
The South Carolina women's basketball vs. Maryland game starts at 4:55 p.m. Friday from Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin's prediction: South Carolina 77, Maryland 65
Look for a close, physical game where Staley's team is tested but prevails with fluid offense and disciplined defense.
Record: 32-3
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
PICKENS, S.C. —As the Table Rock complex fire continues to burn in the Upstate area of South Carolina, many are asking, how did the fire start?Latest on fire here | Latest on evacuations here The fire at Table Rock S...
PICKENS, S.C. —
As the Table Rock complex fire continues to burn in the Upstate area of South Carolina, many are asking, how did the fire start?
Latest on fire here | Latest on evacuations here
The fire at Table Rock State Park started Friday. The fire is listed as "human-caused" on the South Carolina Forestry Commission website.
So what caused it?
Just before midnight Friday, the Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship posted a message on Facebook and said young men, who he described as hikers, were responsible for starting the fire and that they had been identified.
Blankenship said the hikers were "negligent" and that negligence led to the forest fire.
Watch his full message from Friday night below:
This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
At the time, he said the investigation was being handled by Pickens County detectives and the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
"The appropriate charges will be made and announced at a later date," Blankenship said Friday.
No updates on the hikers or any pending charges have been released since then, as officials are concentrating on getting the fire contained.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a Red Flag Fire Alert on Thursday afternoon.
Here's what that means, according to the commission:
"A Red Flag Fire Alert means conditions are favorable for a fire escaping easily and spreading rapidly. All outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. However, burning is not necessarily illegal. This is the most common notification you’ll see from this agency."
At 6 p.m. Friday, the Red Flag Fire Alert was upgraded to a statewide burn ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.
That burn ban remains in place as of Thursday morning.
A time for when the fire started has not been given, so it is not known if the state was under a burn ban at the time.
PICKENS — In another day of extreme fire behavior, the Table Rock Fire jumped its boundaries and doubled in size for a second consecutive day, leaving fire crews to battle a 4,559-acre blaze that has surrounded three sides of the Table Rock reservoir.A chance of scattered storms has popped into the forecast for March 29, a day earlier than previous rain predictions. There's no guarantee of rain for the fires, National Weather Service meteorologist Thomas Winesett said."We do have some rain chances that may start to c...
PICKENS — In another day of extreme fire behavior, the Table Rock Fire jumped its boundaries and doubled in size for a second consecutive day, leaving fire crews to battle a 4,559-acre blaze that has surrounded three sides of the Table Rock reservoir.
A chance of scattered storms has popped into the forecast for March 29, a day earlier than previous rain predictions. There's no guarantee of rain for the fires, National Weather Service meteorologist Thomas Winesett said.
"We do have some rain chances that may start to creep back in here, kind of overnight Saturday into Sunday morning and then maybe another going into Sunday night and Monday," he said. "It won't be like a full-blown, 'Everyone's gonna get a bunch of rain.' Hopefully we get enough rain to help, especially where it's needed."
While some of the fire breaks held yesterday, S.C. Forestry Commission operations chief Trey Cox said winds from the northwest brought embers down from the ridge and into Table Rock State Park, where crews are now positioned for structure protection.
The park contains several buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, most notably its lodge. CCC infrastructure also includes Table Rock State Park Dam, the bathhouse, cabins, concession building, picnic shelters and trails throughout the park.
The fire has almost surrounded the Table Rock Reservoir, which Greenville Water typically uses as 25 percent of its source. Greenville Water commissioner Deb Sofield said there are no contaminants in the water as crews cannot use fire retardant chemicals in the watersheds.
An influx of debris left in the wake of Hurricane Hele has been drying out for six months, making it “nearly impossible” to get through some of it, Cox said.
The northern side of the fire will use only aerial attacks on March 27, Cox said, as crews focus on holding the lines where the fire is cooling off at its containment lines. Both fires were 0 percent contained entering the sixth day of the battle.
Winds should be calmer today, the National Weather Service said, though there will be some gusts that reach the mid-teen mph range. Mostly dry weather keeps perilous conditions in place, though “fire weather is finally looking a little more optimistic today,” forecasters said.
The winds will likely continue to bring smoke from what officials call the "Table Rock Complex" — which combines the Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires into one coordinated effort — into Greenville and Spartanburg counties today. Nearby fires in North Carolina and Georgia are also bringing smoke to the Upstate.
The Persimmon Ridge Fire grew to 1,553 acres on March 26 and reached some of its containment lines, operations chief Jeff Riggin said. Its crews will focus on holding fire lines and watching for spot overs — embers that escape the main fire and ignite smaller ones nearby — as its approaches residential areas.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for many residents near the fires, and a shelter is set up in nearby Marietta.
Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park are all closed because of the fires, and authorities ask people to stay area from the area to keep roads clear for emergency personnel.
The Table Rock fire was started March 21 by the “negligent act” of four young hikers minutes before a statewide burn ban went into effect. The Persimmon Ridge fire was also man-made and ignited on March 22.
Get ready to turn the page – a new month is coming and it’s a blank slate to fill in with family memories. Upstate Parent is here to help, with loads of events, things to do, family basics and much more at upstateparent.com.To include your organization’s family friendly events in Upstate Parent, email [email protected]....
Get ready to turn the page – a new month is coming and it’s a blank slate to fill in with family memories. Upstate Parent is here to help, with loads of events, things to do, family basics and much more at upstateparent.com.
To include your organization’s family friendly events in Upstate Parent, email [email protected].
Drumming Up Awareness – Thrive Upstate, the oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities in Greenville County, invites the community to join Drumming Up Awareness noon – 1 p.m. March 28 at Graham Plaza outside the Peace Center. Join a rhythmic celebration that highlights the hard work and creativity of participants. For details, visit thriveupstate.org.
Music is a Rainbow: Lollipops concerts from the Greenville Symphony Orchestra are at 10 a.m. at the Hughes Main Library and at 11:30 a.m. March 29 at the Taylors Library. Visit greenvillelibrary.org.
Storytime on the Steps is at 10 a.m. March 29 at M. Judson Booksellers on Main Street in Greenville. Visit for a story time and sweet treat. The event will move indoors to the children’s section if weather requires. Visit mjudsonbooks.com.
Saturday Story Time is at 10:30 a.m. March 29 at the Cyrill-Westside Library. Best suited for ages 5 and younger. For details, visit spartanburglibraries.org.
Nature Center Open House: Beautiful Birds is 1 – 4 p.m. March 29 at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Drop by the Nature Learning Center to learn something new. The program is free and open to the public. The Caboose and Hunt Cabin will also be open during this event. For details, visit clemson.edu/scbg/visit/events/index.html.
Join Bring Your Instrument and Play Day March 30 with Carolina Youth Symphony. This is a chance to play with CYS prior to May auditions. For details, visit carolinayouthsymphony.org. To register, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyqH1NzruoH52Mi6G2TVYhwG6dJet41_Fb9kq-a5PkzP7U4w/viewform.
Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures is open through Jan. 4 at the Amherst at Deerpark Exhibition Center at Biltmore Estate in Asheville. This exhibition offers an exploration into ancient Egypt and the time of Tutankhamun, featuring a close look at the discovery of King Tut’s tomb and the extraordinary treasures that were found inside, exactly as they were when first discovered by famed archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Showcasing the cultural heritage of one of history’s most significant archaeological finds, this exhibition features expert-crafted, true-to-life replicas of artifacts. For tickets and details, visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/tut.
Mauldin Theatre Company presents “Mean Girls Jr.” through March 30 at Mauldin Cultural Center. For tickets and details, visit mauldinculturalcenter.org.
“Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” and “Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience” are at the Greenville Convention Center through March 30. This is a family-friendly exhibition with music and more. For details, tickets and schedules, visit beyondexhibitions.com.
Upstate International Month continues through March 31. It is a multi-county collaboration of organizations, partners, sponsors and communities. Welcoming, supporting, celebrating and educating through a variety of internationally themed events, UIM promotes our rich cultural diversity, heritage, and global connections. For events and details, visit upstateinternational.org.
Mini Makers: Tooltime Tots is 9-10 a.m. April 1 at TR Makers Co. Recommended for ages 2-5. $10 per session. Mini Makers will tackle new challenges and exercise problem-solving persistence. For details and registration, visit trmakersco.org/product/mm-s25-k7.
Garden Sprouts is 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. April 1 at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Preschool children and their caregivers discover the wonders of the Botanical Garden through nature walks, crafts and more. For full details and registration, visit clemson.edu/scbg/visit/events/index.html.
STEM Story Time for ages 5 and younger is at 10 a.m. April 2 at the Spartanburg Science Center. For details, visit spartanburgsciencecenter.org/stem-storytime.
Piedmont Natural Gas Downtown Alive is 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. April 3 at NOMA Square on Main Street in Greenville. Visit gvilleevents.com.
Neighborhood Night is 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. April 3 at the Upcountry History Museum. Drop in to explore the museum and its changing exhibitions. No registration is required. Admission is free. Visit upcountryhistory.org/event/neighborhood-night-27.
Music on Main Presented by Piedmont Natural Gas is 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. April 3 on Morgan Square in Spartanburg. Visit cityofspartanburg.org/323/Music-on-Main.
The Spartanburg Youth Theatre presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” April 4 – 6 at the Chapman Cultural Center. Adults $20, youth $15 (18 and younger). Use discount code GROUP for 15% off for groups of 5 or more. The show is most enjoyed by children 4 and older. View content advisory and purchase tickets online at spartanburgyouththeatre.com/upcomingproduction or call 864-542-ARTS (2787).
iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival is 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 5 in downtown Greenville. The festival is free and includes hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning for students in pre-K – grade12 and their families. Visit imaginesteamsc.org/upstate.
One large wildfire in the Upstate nearly doubled in size for the third day in a row, while another only grew modestly on Thursday.The Table Rock Fire in Pickens County expanded to an estimated 8,679 acres on Thursday, up from 4,556 acres on Wednesday, 2,293 acres on Tuesday, and 1,156 acres on Monday, according to the S.C. Forestry Commission. The Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County grew modestly to 1,992 acres from 1,553 acres.The ...
One large wildfire in the Upstate nearly doubled in size for the third day in a row, while another only grew modestly on Thursday.
The Table Rock Fire in Pickens County expanded to an estimated 8,679 acres on Thursday, up from 4,556 acres on Wednesday, 2,293 acres on Tuesday, and 1,156 acres on Monday, according to the S.C. Forestry Commission. The Persimmon Ridge Fire in Greenville County grew modestly to 1,992 acres from 1,553 acres.
The Table Rock Fire began on March 21 and the Persimmon Ridge Fire started a day later — both allegedly caused by humans.
No injuries have been reported since the fires began.
There were no new calls for evacuations on Thursday, but existing evacuations remain in place for the same areas east of the Table Rock fire that were announced Wednesday. Those mandatory evacuations included residents of Oil Camp Creek Road east to River Falls Road south to Highway 11 west to West Gate Rd.
S.C. State Fire had 31 brush trucks, 29 engines, 10 UTVs, 11 tankers, and 236 firefighters on the scene Thursday. This brings State Fire’s overall contributions to fighting both fires to 546 firefighters, 30 support staff, 87 engines, 99 brush trucks, 18 battalion chiefs, 12 tankers, and 15 UTVs.
The forestry commission noted that aviation support was particularly strong on Thursday, with one very large air tanker and four other air vehicles dropping retardant on the northern edge of the Table Rock Fire. Also, SLED and S.C. National Guard helicopters dropped water on both fires on Thursday, as did the forestry commission’s contracted single-engine air tankers.
A statewide burn ban that was issued on Friday is still in effect.
Extremely low humidity, combined with gusty winds, has helped the fires grow considerably this week. Meanwhile, dry, downed trees from Hurricane Helene last year have provided the fires with a reliable source of fuel.
Weather conditions were much milder on Thursday, which allowed crews to strengthen firebreaks on key expanses of both fires, the forestry commission states. However, weather conditions on Friday may trigger more fire growth, as relative humidity is expected to drop to 23% and wind gusts could reach nearly 30 mph.
According to the National Weather Service on Thursday evening, there is a 60% chance of showers on Sunday and an 80% chance of showers on Monday in the area.
The Table Rock Fire grew almost exclusively on its northern and western sides.
“The fire burned up to the North Carolina state line in several different places,” the forestry commission states.
The containment lines on the eastern side and southern side of the fire held up, though, and were fortified by burnouts in and around Table Rock State Park.
“The eastern containment is particularly good news because so many homes lie beyond the existing firebreaks,” the forestry commission states. “Crews will continue strengthening these lines in the coming days.”
While the Persimmon Ridge fire grew some on Thursday, most of the additional acreage was from burnouts that crews managed to conduct between existing firebreaks and the active fire. Firefighters plan to complete burnouts of existing unburned areas and focus on improving existing firebreaks on Friday.
Greenville County and Pickens County Emergency Management wanted to remind residents that just because the conditions looked somewhat better on Thursday, they’re still encouraging evacuations in the designated zones until those are deemed safe for re-entry.
In Pickens County, Sassafras Mountain Overlook has been closed, and the road leading up to it, F Van Clayton Memorial Highway, is also closed.
The Table Rock Public Information Line – (864) 467-3428 – remains for wildfire evacuees, if needed. The line will be monitored from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have an emergency, call 911. Greenville County Emergency Management and Pickens County, SC, are providing more information on Facebook and Instagram.
864-580-3470
