Roofer in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC — Residents across central South Carolina are urged to use extreme caution today as elevated fire danger conditions develop across the region, driven by gusty winds, dry fuels, and very low humidity.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia, the heightened fire risk will last through approximately 7 p.m. Sunday, following a mostly dry cold front overnight and a continued lack of recent rainfall. Officials warn that any fires that ignite could spread rapidly under today’s conditions.

Forecasters say northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph, are expected this afternoon. At the same time, relative humidity levels are forecast to drop below 25%, creating an environment favorable for dangerous wildfire behavior.

The combination of dry vegetation, strong winds, and low humidity significantly increases the likelihood that small sparks — including debris burning, outdoor grilling, or equipment use — could quickly escalate into uncontrolled fires.

The elevated fire danger applies broadly across the Midlands region, including Richland County, Lexington County, and surrounding areas, with potential impacts extending toward nearby parts of central South Carolina.

The NWS strongly advises residents to avoid outdoor burning and to use extra caution with any activities that could generate sparks or open flames. Even brief or accidental ignition sources may lead to fast-moving fires that are difficult for crews to contain.

Fire officials continue to monitor conditions and urge the public to stay alert until weather conditions improve later this evening.

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Thousands gathered in Columbia as Buddhist monks continued their Walk for Peace, symbolizing a collective yearning for unity in a divided world.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Supporters gathered along the route in downtown Columbia Saturday morning as Buddhist monks made their way toward the South Carolina State House as part of a long-distance Walk for Peace.

People began lining the streets shortly after 10:30 a.m., many traveling from across the Southeast to take part in the event. Joanne, who traveled from near Savannah, Georgia, said she left early in the morning to make sure she could be there.

“We left at 5 a.m. this morning because I knew the monks were going to be here,” she said. “When my friend asked if I wanted to come see them, I jumped at the opportunity.”

By midafternoon, the monks crossed the Gervais Street Bridge, completing a 1.3-mile walk to the State House. Thousands of people lined the route, waving, cheering and offering words of encouragement as the monks passed.

Another supporter, who traveled from Athens, Georgia, said she only learned about the walk a few days earlier but felt compelled to attend once she realized the monks would be coming through Columbia.

“I started following it three days ago and thought, ‘Oh my God, they’re coming to Columbia,’” she said. “They didn’t come through Athens, so I knew I had to be here.”

After leaving the State House, the monks continued on to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, where more than a thousand people gathered to hear them speak. The Rev. Melanie Dodson said the turnout reflects a deep desire for peace and unity in a divided world.

“It shows the hunger people have for peace in a world that feels so violent and full of hatred,” Dodson said. “To see people come together as a community here on our campus has been a huge gift.”

Organizers said the walk is designed to spread messages of peace, compassion and healing along the entire route. Dr. Neerja Bajracsya, who handles public relations for the Walk for Peace, said the journey spans thousands of miles over several months.

“Wherever we go, the goal is to spread the message of peace, unity, compassion and healing,” Bajracsya said.

The monks are expected to continue their walk on Sunday with a stop in Blythewood.

MCCORMICK, S.C. —

After 73 days of walking for peace, a group of Buddhist monks and their dog Aloka have crossed the Savannah River into South Carolina.

The group started their 2,300-mile journey in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26, and is traveling through 10 states en route to Washington, D.C.

As of Tuesday evening, the monks are traveling along Highway 378 and stopped overnight in McCmorick.

The monks were met by hundreds of supporters along the road, holding signs, flowers, and praying for the group.

"All we ever hear are the bad things, right? So whenever you get a taste of good news, you just want to be a part of it. You want to soak it all in," says Michelle Urps, who watched with her mother and daughter.

"Everybody was like silent as soon as they walked by, and bowing their heads and praying, just like it was just peaceful. It was mind, mind-blowing experience. You had to be here to see it," says Caroline Forest, who traveled to McCormick to watch with her sister.

The monks also hosted a meet and greet Tuesday night outside of the McCormick County Emergency Management offices, where they'll spend the night.

The original route through South Carolina had the group walking through part of Abbeville, Laurens, and possibly Union counties. On Jan. 2, the route changed to take a path through Columbia before heading north to North Carolina.

If you would like to follow their path, click on this map or check out the map below:

To track them live, click here or check out the map below:

The group has amassed a huge audience on social media, with more than 700,000 followers on Facebook. Aloka, who is named after a Sanskrit word meaning enlightenment, has its own hashtag, #AlokathePeaceDog, and Facebook page, with more than 400,000 followers.

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that evolved from the teachings of Gautama Buddha, a prince turned teacher who is believed to have lived in northern India and attained enlightenment between the 6th and 4th centuries B.C. The religion spread to other parts of Asia after his death and came to the West in the 20th century. The Buddha taught that the path to end suffering and become liberated from the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation includes the practice of non-violence, mental discipline through meditation, and showing compassion for all beings.

While Buddhism has branched into a number of sects over the centuries, its rich tradition of peace activism continues. Its social teaching was pioneered by figures like the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh, who have applied core principles of compassion and non-violence to political, environmental and social justice as well as peace-building efforts around the world.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A woman was arrested after allegedly causing a scene at a Columbia-area Publix over the weekend.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said 35-year-old Cardesha Gilmore was arrested Sunday and is charged with indecent exposure, shoplifting, public disorderly conduct, pedestrian in the highway and assault while resisting arrest.

According to an incident report from RCSD, Gilmore was caught trying to steal four packs of steaks by employees at the Publix store on Hardscrabble Road. Afterwards, she reportedly became irate and proceeded to urinate on the floor of the store.

When deputies arrived, Gilmore allegedly ran away and went into traffic on Hardscrabble Road. She eventually complied with orders to stop and was taken into custody.

Documents state that Gilmore tried to run again after being taken to a patrol car, but immediately lost balance and was restrained. The sheriff’s department said Gilmore also tried kicking a deputy in the face, but was unsuccessful.

She reportedly did not have any identification on her, and all deputies reportedly found was an empty bottle of oxycodone prescribed to a different person that did not match Gilmore, according to DMV records.

RCSD noted that Gilmore was initially identified as a “Jane Doe” in an incident report, but publicly identified her as the suspect on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday afternoon, records show Gilmore was booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a nearly $21,800 bond.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for the latest.

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COLUMBIA — A group of about 20 Buddhist monks — and their loyal rescue dog, Aloka — are set to visit Columbia this week as they continue their more than 2,000-mile journey across the Southeastern United States to promote peace and harmony.

The monks began their journey in Fort Worth, Tx., on Oct. 26 with plans to end in Washington, D.C., around early February. Despite injuries and exhaustion, the monks have persevered, meeting thousands along the way, where they give out prayer bracelets and speak with those who come to see them.

On the morning of Jan. 6, the monks’ social media account posted that they started the day in Tignall, Ga., with plans to walk through Lincolnton and cross into South Carolina during the day. The monks next planned stop is in McCormick, S.C., which is about 77 miles from Columbia.

While the monks’ arrival in Columbia is estimated between Jan. 10 and 20, Google Maps predicts a journey of that length would take a walker about 28 hours, which could result in the group making it to Columbia by the end of the week when stops and breaks are included.

The exact dates for the monks’ stop should be updated in the next few days as the group finalizes plans for where to stop for lunch and where to sleep, both of which are updated on their daily live map.

The monk’s route, as of Jan. 6, goes from Chennault, Ga., to U.S. 378, where the monks will cross into South Carolina and through McCormick, Edgefield and Saluda counties before they trek through rural Lexington County and roughly follow U.S. 378 into Columbia.

The monks walk from sun up to sunset, only stopping to eat and sleep, often camping in tents at night. Their lunch stop includes visiting hours from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. while their night stop invites guests from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. At both times, the monks welcome people to stop by and support the effort.

Droves of people have come out to meet the monks in past cities, with one Georgia mayor arranging for the group to receive medical care. In many places, the monks lead meditations and chants, and pass out blessing cords, Buddhist symbols of protection, good luck and spirituality.

Material donations are currently on hold due to limited space, according to the monks’ website, but visitors are welcome to donate online.

Once the monks hit Columbia, they’ll turn north and begin the walk to Charlotte with a planned stop in Rock Hill, according to the overview map.

To follow along on their live route, go to walkforpeace.short.gy/live-map. For the overall route, head to walkforpeace.short.gy/overview-map. To follow along with the standout star of the group, Aloka, head to facebook.com/alokathepeacedog.