Pool Chemical Fire Forces Brief Beach Evacuation in South Carolina

A fire forced hundreds of vacationers and residents in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to evacuate from a four block beachfront area of the city.

Authorities say a half-pound of a chemical used to treat swimming pools caught fire July 15 outside a home.

Fire officials say they let the chemical burn itself out and the evacuation was lifted in about an hour. No one was hurt. The blaze is believed to be accidental.

Police estimate about 600 people had to leave the area.