Colleton County Fire-Rescue

4/22/2010

Stations 3, 4, 7, 18, 23 and 31 responded to a structure fire at 4030 Lumber Road  at 16:39, Thursday 22-April. Initial reports to 9-1-1 were confusing as to what was actually on fire or how long it had been burning. Engine 7 and Engine 18 arrived together to find a large single story wood frame structure fully involved. A wooden barn located approximately 30 feet from the home was also well involved, as well as a second wooden storage building next to the barn. Approximately 1 acre of woods was burning too, creating heavy smoke conditions. High winds helped spread the flames and smoke. The older home and other buildings were located behind another house and had limited access. The Engines had to position approximately 150 feet away from the buildings. Engine 7 deployed one 1-3/4 handline on the west side of the building to combat the barn fire and protect the other exposures on the property including the main house, located near the highway. Engine 18 deployed two 1-3/4 handlines and a booster line from the east side of the building to work on the house fire and the woods fires. A tractor from the Forestry Commission was also requested and responded. The building collapsed shortly after units arrived at the scene.

Firefighters worked for 2-1/2 hours removing the tin roof to overhaul the burning debris. The barn suffered heavy damage, but was still standing. The adjacent storage building received moderate exterior damage. The main house was spared and had no damage. The Forestry Commission tractor cut two fire lines around the perimeter of the property to contain the woods fire. The fire apparently spread from an unattended trash pile that was left burning near the older house. The fire was spread by the high winds. The home was furnished and had power connected, however no one was presently residing in the building. Water supply was handled by Tenders pumping truck to truck

Engine 3, Engine 7, Engine 18, Engine 31, Tender 3, Tender 4, Tender 7, Tender 18, Tender 23, Medic 18, Car 12 and Car 111 responded. Asst. Chief David Greene served as Incident Commander.