When news broke about the Coral Sands WMBF News fire, it immediately grabbed the attention of Myrtle Beach residents and local news followers. The fire didn’t just happen at any building — it occurred at the long-abandoned Coral Sands Motel, a property already infamous for years of controversy, legal disputes, and city-led closure orders.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly what happened during the fire, the history behind the Coral Sands Motel, why it was already marked for demolition, and how this incident fits into the bigger picture of Myrtle Beach’s fight against unsafe and blighted properties. You’ll also learn about the legal battles tied to the motel, the city’s future plans for the site, and what this means for residents, tourists, and urban safety in the area.
The Fire That Sparked Headlines
Early Morning Blaze
In the early hours of May 14, 2025, at around 3 a.m., Myrtle Beach firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at the Coral Sands Motel, located on Ocean Boulevard between 3rd and 4th Avenue North. According to reports from WMBF News and WFXB, thick smoke could be seen billowing from the boarded-up property.
Fire crews worked quickly to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures. Given the motel’s dilapidated condition, safety concerns were high. The fire department even used drones to assess the building before sending in crews, ensuring no one was trapped and no additional hazards were present.
Containment and Safety Wins
The quick response worked — the fire was contained to the Coral Sands Motel. Surrounding hotels and buildings were spared, and no injuries were reported. This was a relief for both emergency responders and residents, as the Ocean Boulevard area is densely packed with businesses, tourist accommodations, and pedestrian activity.
Despite the fire’s dramatic nature, city officials were quick to point out that the incident would not delay the already planned demolition of the Coral Sands property.
The Long Decline of the Coral Sands Motel
To understand why the fire mattered so much to the community, you have to look at the motel’s long history — one marked by crime, neglect, and legal battles.
A Motel in Its Prime
Years ago, the Coral Sands Motel was part of Myrtle Beach’s booming tourism economy. Located in a prime spot near the ocean, it was a budget-friendly stop for families and vacationers. But as the decades passed, the building aged, maintenance lagged, and ownership changes failed to bring meaningful improvements.
Turning Into a Problem Property
By the 2010s, the Coral Sands was no longer a charming seaside motel. It had become a magnet for police calls and a haven for illegal activity. City records and news reports reveal dozens of incidents involving drug use, trafficking, and disorderly conduct.
In 2021, Myrtle Beach police described the property as “a haven for drug traffickers and users alike.” The situation escalated to the point where a judge ordered the motel to close for at least one year due to public safety concerns.
From Closure to Condemnation
The City Steps In
After the court-ordered closure, Myrtle Beach city officials intensified their inspections. They found numerous code violations — from unsafe electrical wiring to structural hazards. These violations weren’t small fixes; they were the kind that made the building uninhabitable.
In November 2021, the Myrtle Beach City Council voted 4-2 to move forward with demolishing the Coral Sands Motel.
The Motel’s Fate Was Sealed — Or Was It?
Even after the vote, demolition didn’t happen right away. Legal disputes, ownership changes, and appeals slowed the process. Meanwhile, the building sat vacant, boarded up, and slowly deteriorating — a constant reminder of the city’s challenges with problem properties.
The Ownership Change That Added Fuel to the Fire
In September 2024, a company called Rainmaker Holdings LLC purchased the Coral Sands Motel along with another condemned property, the Sea Gypsy Inn, for over $4.5 million.
Rainmaker Holdings claimed it had plans for redevelopment, but the city still intended to proceed with demolition due to ongoing safety concerns. This set the stage for a new round of legal battles between the property owners and city officials.
By early 2025, the disputes were still unresolved — but the city made clear it would move forward regardless.
The May 2025 Fire in Context
The May fire didn’t cause the city to change course. In fact, city leaders stressed that demolition plans were already well underway and that the fire simply underscored the urgency of removing unsafe structures from Myrtle Beach’s landscape.
For firefighters, the incident was a stark reminder of the risks abandoned buildings pose — from structural instability to potential hidden dangers like hazardous materials or squatter activity.
Community Impact
Residents’ Perspective
Many locals felt a mix of emotions — relief that no one was hurt, frustration that the building had remained standing for so long, and hope that the demolition would finally remove a long-standing eyesore.
Tourist Perception
Myrtle Beach relies heavily on tourism, and blighted properties like the Coral Sands can leave a bad impression on visitors. A fire at such a location can reinforce concerns about safety and city upkeep, making swift removal even more important.
The Bigger Issue: Blight and Safety in Myrtle Beach
The Coral Sands fire isn’t an isolated incident. Across Myrtle Beach and other coastal cities, aging motels and hotels have become a growing concern. When owners fail to maintain properties, the risk of crime, structural failure, and even fire increases dramatically.
City leaders have stepped up code enforcement in recent years, but legal battles and property rights issues can slow progress.
Lessons Learned from the Coral Sands Case
- Proactive Enforcement Is Key – Waiting until a property becomes a full-blown safety hazard makes resolution harder and more expensive.
- Legal Processes Take Time – Even when the public is in favor of demolition, due process for property owners can create delays.
- Fire Risks Are Real in Abandoned Buildings – Whether caused by trespassers, electrical issues, or other hazards, vacant structures are inherently risky.
- Media Coverage Helps Keep Pressure On – Outlets like WMBF News ensure the public stays informed and officials remain accountable.
What Happens Next for the Coral Sands Site?
Demolition Timeline
While the exact demolition date hasn’t been publicly confirmed, city officials have indicated it will happen soon. The city will initially pay for the work but expects Rainmaker Holdings to reimburse the costs.
Redevelopment Possibilities
Once cleared, the site could be redeveloped into new accommodations, retail, or mixed-use space — although that depends on future ownership and zoning approvals.
Why This Story Matters for Myrtle Beach’s Future
The Coral Sands WMBF News fire is more than a local headline. It’s a case study in urban safety, property law, and community resilience.
By addressing problem properties like Coral Sands, Myrtle Beach is taking steps to protect its reputation as a safe, welcoming tourist destination. But the process is also a reminder of the legal and logistical challenges cities face when dealing with privately owned properties in disrepair.
Conclusion
The fire at the Coral Sands Motel may have been extinguished quickly, but its story is still unfolding. Years of neglect, crime, and legal wrangling have made the property a symbol of the challenges Myrtle Beach faces in balancing property rights with public safety.
Demolition will remove the physical structure, but the lessons from this case will linger — serving as a reminder of why vigilance, enforcement, and community involvement are critical to keeping neighborhoods safe.
For now, residents and visitors can look forward to the day when the Coral Sands site no longer looms as a decaying reminder of the past, but instead offers something positive for the future of Myrtle Beach.