“B” Shift – Structure Fire

Run # 10-5262 – Stations 5, 17, 19 and 26 responded to a structure fire at 6222 Augusta Highway at 0600, Thursday morning 23-September. Engine 26 arrived to report a two story wood frame dwelling 100 percent involved. The building was located about 200 feet off of the roadway on a rural stretch of highway and had been burning for some time. Access to the property was blocked by steel cables across the driveways. Engine 26 set up on the highway, deploying 150 feet of 3 inch hose to the front yard, which was then gated to supply two 1-3/4 hand lines. One 2-1/2 handline was also pulled to the building. Firefighters used the 2-1/2 and both 1-3/4 handlines to combat the fire. The second story collapsed into the first story minutes after units arrived bringing down most of the structure. Crews worked for about 20 minutes to knock down the bulk of the flames. Both large fire places and chimneys also collapsed into the structure within 20 minutes of units arriving. Firefighters used the two 1-3/4 handlines to overhaul the building which took about 2-1/2 hours. Water supply was handled with a water shuttle. Tenders refilled at the SCE&G power plant six miles away.  

Neighbors reported the home had been vacant for several years, but believed it was occupied off and on by squatters. This had lead the owners to place the cables across the driveways in an attempt to keep the people out of the home. The residence appeared to be over 100 years old based on the construction which consisted of wooden pegs to hold the heavy timbers together. The SLED Arson Unit was called to assist in the investigation of the fire. No one was injured during the incident.  

Engine 5, Engine 26, Tender 5, Tender 17, Tender 19, Tender 26, Medic 19, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 116 responded. Battalion Chief Ben Heape served as Incident Commander.