Colleton County Fire-Rescue

10/23/2008

Stations 1, 19, 24, 26 and 27 responded to a house fire at 402 Gadsden Loop at the corner of June Street, Thursday evening 23-October at 1758. Engine 1 arrived to find smoke coming from the one story dwelling. The homeowner was exiting the burning building carrying an invalid child. She indicated the fire was in the kitchen. Firefighters entered the building with one 1-3/4"  handline and found heavy fire conditions in the kitchen. The fire which originated on the stove had spread to the cabinets and was extending across the ceiling. The crew quickly pushed back the flames sparing any additional damage to the residence.  
 
The homeowner's quick actions in getting the child out of the house prevented any injuries to the bedridden child. When she discovered the fire burning rapidly in the kitchen, rather than attempting to extinguish the fast moving fire, she had enough presence of mind not to panic and went to back bedroom to save the child. The woman had to carry the child back through the smoke to get out of the house, however she denied any need for medical treatment from Firefighter-Paramedics. The accidental fire originated on the stove and caused substantial damage to the kitchen, however damage to the remainder of the residence was slight, with smoke damage throughout the building, but little heat damage. Firefighters were on the scene for a little over one hour.
 
This was the second time in six years Colleton Firefighters have saved this residence from destruction. A fire six years ago heavily damaged the rental property when another tenant resided there. Firefighters rescued and successfully resuscitated "Scooby Doo", a young Labrador from the previous fire. The dog made a full recovery and is now living in Summerville with his owners. 
 
Engine 1, Engine 24, Tender 1, Tender 19, Tender 26, Medic 27, Battalion 1 and Truck 12 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.