05/05/2011 – “B” Shift – Structure Fire

Incident # 11-02518 – An afternoon house fire heavily damaged a Walterboro home at 16:47, Thursday 05-May. County Fire-Rescue units responded to a reported address of 501 Rivers Street at the intersection of Proctor Street for smoke coming from the residence. The actual address was 451-1/2 Rivers Street which is the last house in the City of Walterboro. Engine 1 arrived to find the small single story wood frame structure with heavy smoke and flames visible. Fire was venting from the rear of the building and from the “D” side eave. Crews deployed two 1-3/4 handlines, entering the building through the front door. Firefighters encountered high heat conditions inside the building, but made their way to the rear of the structure dousing the flames within a few minutes. The fire had spread to the attic, so interior crews pulled the ceilings in several rooms to reach the fire. Exterior crews horizontally ventilated the building with PPV Fans. No one was at home at the residence, however two canines were taken from the scene by Animal Control Officers. During the investigation, it was determined the fire was of a suspicious origin.

Since the fire was actually located in the City Limits, the case was handed over to Walterboro Public Safety officers. SLED is also assisting in the investigation.

Engine 1, Engine 19, Tender 1, Tender 19, Tender 27, Medic 1, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 111 responded. Asst. Chief David Greene served as Incident Commander.