27/July/2012 – Structure Fire – “A” Shift

Incident # 12-04107 – A lightning strike is blamed for a fire that heavily damaged a home Friday evening 27-July at 18:39. The home was located at 11991 Green Pond Highway. The fire occurred during a heavy thunderstorm which produced a great deal of lightning throughout the county for several hours. The residents reported they heard what sounded like a loud explosion when the lightning struck the home. Shortly thereafter they smelled smoke and discovered flames coming from the roof. All of the occupants were able to safely exit the building, however three cats remained in the home. Engine 6 and Medic 6 arrived minutes later to find the two story log cabin style home with heavy flames visible along the front of the roof line. Engine 6 requested a second alarm for additional Tenders and manpower. Firefighters deployed two 1-3/4 and one 2-1/2 handline to combat the fire. The home was located well off of the roadway providing limited access for fire apparatus. A supply line was extended down the narrow driveway to Green Pond Highway.

Engine 2 was set up at the head of the driveway with a drop tank to allow Tenders to dump on the highway. Engine 2 then supplied Engine 6. Water was shuttled from pressurized hydrants at the Balchem Plant three miles from the scene.

The home was constructed of heavy timbers with vaulted ceilings in the two story center section of the structure. Two single story portions were located on each side of the two story section. The fire began burning between the tongue and groove vaulted ceiling and the metal roof, creating access problems for firefighters. Aerial apparatus could not reach the scene and could not be used. The fire quickly spread to the roof and attic on the southside of the structure and eventually spread to the roof and attic on the northside as well. Firefighters were forced out of the building when a flashover occurred, forcing an exterior/defensive attack until the fire was contained enough to re-enter the building. Most of the fire was confined to the roof and attic, however drop down fire and water heavily damaged the home. 

Two of the cats were rescued during the firefighting effort. They were soggy, but appeared unharmed. It is believed the third feline escaped. One firefighter received a knee injury after stepping off of a porch into a hole. He was transported, treated and released from Colleton Medical Center, but could not return to work. Units were on the scene for five hours. The Sheriff’s Office closed off Green Pond Highway between Wood Road and Ivenia Brown Drive to allow for the water shuttle operation.

Engine 2, Engine 6, Engine 21, Engine 22, Tender 1, Tender 2, Tender 6, Tender 8, Tender 12, Tender 19, Tender 21, Tender 22, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 6, Medic 19, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 107 and Car 117 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.