‘Pack your patience’: As July 4th festivities heat up in Myrtle Beach, here are some things to expect

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Tens of thousands of people will be in Myrtle Beach for the Fourth of July holiday, and fire officials say they’re prepared for the large crowds.

“Whether it’s January or July we’re prepared any day of the week to handle the call volume that we have here in the city,” said Myrtle Beach Fire Department Capt. Jonathan Evans. “Obviously we know that the Fourth of July week and weekend is a very busy week for us, so we are on high alert for those things knowing that it’s going to be a busier time of year. There’s lots more things going on.”

The department anticipates a rise in the number of calls to around 90 calls, Evans said. Normally, they get between 30 and 60.

“Just because there’s more people coming in for the Fourth of July week and weekend, and just the way it falls, it could be a longer week in general,” Evans said. “So we’re probably going to see the effects starting today and on throughout the rest of the week.”

Evans said he expects the roads to be busy in many areas, including near the 2nd Avenue pier and Broadway at the Beach, so you should give yourself some extra time to get where you’re going.

“Just pack your patience when you’re here,” he said. “There’s going to be lots of people here. It’s hot, so everybody is going to be a little cranky too. So make sure you’re staying hydrated and get in the shade if you can. If you’re driving a golf cart around here, make sure you’re doing so on the secondary roads where you’re allowed to be, not on Kings Highway, not on the bypass, that’s just dangerous in general. Just keeping those things in mind about how you can keep you and your family safe.”

Evans wants to make sure everyone stays safe and has a good time over the holiday but there are a few rules to keep in mind, particularly when it comes to fireworks.

“You cannot use fireworks on the beach whatsoever,” he said. “You can only use them on your residential property, so not in the hotels or anything as well. It’s only until 10 o’clock on any night except for the 4 ^th of July. [Then] you’re allowed to use them into the next morning until 1 a.m. I encourage you not to do, that but that is the law you are able to do that. But 10 o’clock any other night is the law, and you can get in trouble for using them past that point.”

Evans said the department has units prepared and that the most important thing is to make sure everyone stays safe so they can enjoy the holiday. He stressed the important of paying attention to the conditions on the beach and making sure you are aware of any currents and beach warning flags.

* * *

Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook , X, formerly Twitter , and Instagram . You can also read more of her work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.