08/April/2016 – 75 acre Woods Fire – “B” Shift

Incident # 16-02141 – Multiple Fire-Rescue Units and Forestry Commission Tractors responded to an estimated 75 acre woods fire Friday afternoon 08-April. At 15:40, 9-1-1 began receiving reports of the fire from callers from the 4900 block to the 5300 block of Lowcountry Hwy reporting the large fire and heavy smoke. Engine 13 arrived to find zero visibility on Lowcountry Hwy. After locating an access point to reach a portion of the fire, crews found the fire originated as a 25 acre controlled burn, but it spread out of control due to 15 to 20 mph winds. The fire jumped the fire breaks in several areas, burning an additional 50 acres and threatening several residential dwellings, as well as farm building. Engine 13 requested additional units. The Forestry Commission was already on the scene and eventually had four tractors working the fire. Fire-Rescue positioned four Engines to protect several buildings and extinguish hot spots, while Brush 8 rode fire lines to douse flames spreading through the woods. Two Tenders provided water supply. Fire-Rescue units were on the scene for four hours, while Forestry units remained until the next day. ngine 13 responded back to the scene once during the evening when a citizen observed a tree burning within the fire break and again Saturday to assist Forestry Units.

ENo damage was reported to any buildings. The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic on Lowcountry Hwy due to limited visibility and the SCDOT deployed smoke signs in the area.

Engine 1, Engine 13, Engine 27, Engine 29, Tender 8, Tender 29, Brush 8, Medic 13, Battalion 1 and Car 107 responded. Battalion Chief Scott O’Quinn served as Incident Commander.