Colleton County Fire-Rescue

1/11/2010

A two alarm structure fire brought Stations 1, 6, 9, 12, 19, 24, 26 and 27 to 675 Barracada Road at 2349, Monday 11-January. First arriving firefighters reported the building was 25% involved, with flames through the roof. Engine 19 deployed two 1-3/4 handlines and received his water supply from tenders. Firefighters had to break into the building through the front door to conduct a primary search and begin the firefighting effort. Crews quickly extinguished the fire in the attached garage, while flames intensified in the attic and a bedroom, spreading throughout the attic. Firefighters used Thermal Imagers to search the residence and determined no occupants to be in the building. Additional apparatus and personnel were dispatched shortly after arrival. Firefighters worked for 20 minutes from the interior, but were driven out when a portion of the roof on the “D” side of the structure collapsed. An exterior defensive attack was then conducted until fire was knocked down enough to re-enter the building. The approximately 60 year old home had been remodeled and contained several additions. The modifications created multiple void spaces allowing the fire to travel undetected, making for a challenging battle for personnel. Firefighters had the fire under control in approximately 50 minutes.

The house suffered heavy damage, but portions of the structure were saved. Fire units were on the scene for six hours. 

No one was at home at the time of the fire. The State Law Enforcement Arson Unit is assisting Fire-Rescue Investigators in determining the cause of the fire.

Engine 1, Engine 19, Tender 1, Tender 12, Tender 19, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 6, Medic 19, Battalion 1 and Truck 12 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.