What started as a 10-acre fire on Table Rock Mountain quickly escalated into one of the largest wildfire responses in South Carolina history. In this episode, we go inside the firefighting operation as it exploded from a manageable incident to a 13,000-acre "complex fire" burning in two locations simultaneously. You'll hear from pilots coordinating massive aerial operations, firefighters watching their containment lines fail, and the moment everyone realized this fire had become something entirely different—complete with the sound Mac Stone describes as "like a jet engine."

Special thanks to our guests: Darryl Jones (South Carolina Forestry Commission Forest Protection Chief), Lee Berry (SC Forestry Commission Pilot), Austin Williams and Mackenzie Boyd (Greenville Water), and Mac Stone (Natural Land Trust Executive Director and National Geographic photographer). For incredible photos, Visit the Show Notes.

In March 2025, careless teenage hikers ignited what would become the largest mountain wildfire in South Carolina's recorded history. What started as a 10-acre fire on Table Rock Mountain exploded into nearly 16,000 acres, becoming the number one priority fire in the entire United States. In this first episode, we explore how South Carolina actually fights wildfires.... spoiler alert: it's not what you think.

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This is your official teaser for Season 7 of The Outfall. From wildfire crises to nanobubbles and Cold War secrets, this season uncovers the hidden forces shaping the world beneath our feet. Full episodes begin June 6—subscribe now and get ready to explore the unexpected.