WHEREAS, in the morning hours of June 6, 2006, a fire broke out in the JP Stevens No. 3 Mill located in the City of Great Falls, in Chester County, and continues to burn uncontrollably, emitting toxic hydrochloric acids and causing hundreds of families in the surrounding area to be displaced from their homes; and

WHEREAS, the city of Great Falls and Chester County have exhausted their resources and have indicated that the fire is beyond their capability and they have asked for support from the State of South Carolina.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby declare that a State of Emergency exists in Chester County, and I direct that the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan be placed in effect and that the State Emergency Operations Center be activated with the appropriate emergency support function personnel present to provide necessary support for ongoing response operations in Chester County. I further direct that the South Carolina National Guard be placed on state duty and, upon notification by the Emergency Management Division, in consultation with the Governor's Office and the Adjutant General, shall take necessary and prudent actions, as tasked, to respond to the hazards posed by this threat in order to protect life and property.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 8th DAY OF JUNE, 2006.

MARK SANFORD
Governor

Last Updated: Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 4:10 P.M.