07/03/2011 – Structure Fire – “C” Shift

Incident # 11-03649 – Two people were injured in an early morning house fire in Cottageville, Sunday 03-July at 00:30. Firefighters arrived at 127 Dairy Lane to find the singlewide mobile home approximately 25% involved with heavy fire and smoke showing. The two occupants had exited the building, but both the male and female suffered smoke inhalation, with the female suffering facial burns after she returned to the burning house in an attempt to save the family dog. The intense heat drove her from the building. Firefighter-Paramedics treated both patients at the scene, then Medic 19 transported them to Colleton Medical Center. While at the ED the female patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly due to respiratory burns. She was stabilized at CMC and flown by the Lifenet 3 medical helicopter to the Trauma Center at MUSC.

Engine 9 deployed two 1-3/4 handlines to combat the fire and had the majority of the fire knocked down within fifteen minutes. Fire units remained on the scene for two hours performing overhaul.

The fire appears to have started from coals in a grille located on the back porch of the home. The fire destroyed the wooden porch before burning into the residence. The occupants were awaken by the family Labrador, who perished in the fire. Firefighters located the dog inside the home and buried the animal in the yard.

Engine 2, Engine 9, Engine 2401, Tender 2, Tender 5, Tender 9, Tender 903, Tender 19, Medic 9, Medic 19, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Fire Commissioner SG Drew served as Incident Commander.