Stations 2, 6, 8, 12, 21, 22, 25, 27 and 28 responded to a two alarm residential structure fire at 9314 Bennetts Point Road, 4-March at 2002. This was one of three structure fires that occurred Wednesday.  The first involved smoke in a single family residence at 2458 Black Creek Road  at 1000. A chimney fire was the culprit and quickly extinguished. The second structure fire was located at 908 Poplar Street and was the result of a gas line leak at the hot water heater. The fire burned the floor and hot water heater, but caused little damage the building. Units were on the scene for about an hour overhauling the room and removing smoke from the home.

The third structure fire was received at 2002 at 9314 Bennetts Point Road. The building was the referred to as the “Gate House” and located on the grounds of Ashepoo Plantation. The fire apparently started in the stove and quickly burned through the kitchen ceiling, extending into the attic. The resident was at home when the fire started. He was able to safely exit without injury. Firefighters arrived to find fire burning through the roof, with flames shooting 25 feet into the air. Heavily charged smoke was pushing from roof vents on all sides of the structure. There was little to no flames or heat present in the living area. Water supply was critical in this remote non-hydranted area. Firefighters worked from

 the ground and on the roof in attempts to reach the flames. Shortly after arrival Battalion 1 requested a second alarm for manpower and tenders. He directed Engine 22 to establish a water supply point at Fee Farm Creek approximately four miles north of the location. Tenders were quickly able to refill there and staged on Bennetts Point Road until needed.

Engine 6  set up on the “D” side of the building and deployed three 1-3/4 handlines, while Engine 21 worked from the “B” side of the structure with two 1-3/4 handlines. Tenders supplied both engines. Ladder 6 also responded but due to heavy tree coverage around the home, it could not be used. Firefighters were able to safely remove many personal items from the residence including paintings, guns and valuables all of which were turned over to the homeowner. The fire burned most of the roof off of the “U” shaped home. The interior suffered heavy damage from falling roof debris. The entire attached garage which was located off of the kitchen was saved. Firefighters were on the scene for over 5 hours. No injuries were reported.  

Engine 6, Engine 21, Engine 22, Engine 25, Tender 2, Tender 6, Tender 12, Tender 22, Tender 25, Tender 27, Tender 28 , Ladder 6, Medic 6 and Battalion 1 responded. Firefighter-EMT Jason Benton initially served as Incident Commander. IC was transferred to Battalion Chief Dan Barb shortly after his arrival.