08/October/2016 – Structure Fire – “B” Shift

Incident # 16-06594 – A Round O home suffered moderate damage in an early morning fire which occurred as Hurricane Matthew was leaving the Lowcountry. At 09:42, the fire was reported with the caller advising the home was full of smoke. Engine 9, Tender 9, and Medic 9 from Cottageville arrived quickly to find heavy smoke coming from the single story residential structure. The occupants advised a wheelchair bound woman was still inside the home and unable to get out. Firefighter-Paramedics deployed multiple handlines and entered the home. The fire was located in an attached garage and had spread to the attic space. Crews located the woman inside the residential portion and were able to safely remove her from the residence. She was examined at the scene and later transported to Colleton Medical Center by Medic 19. High winds had toppled several trees on the property, one of which struck the house, damaging the electrical service. It is believed the fire is a result of the damaged power lines. Trees were down on all access roads and throughout the county. Station 9’s crew fought the fire while additional units attempted to reach the location. Station # 36 had to abort their response. Station 19 and Battalion 1 used chainsaws to cut a path 8 miles on Cottageville Hwy to reach the scene.

The process took 40 minutes. Stations 2 and 12 could not gain access and had to return to quarters. While combating the fire, a large pine tree near the highway fell, pulling the transmission electrical lines down behind the units working the fire. SCE&G crews responded to secure the lines. No injuries were reported. Firefighters contained the fire to the garage, which burned away a portion of the roof. The rest of the home was saved. Units were at the scene for 3 hours.  

Engine 9, Tender 9, Tender 19, Medic 9, Medic 19 and Battalion 1 responded. Battalion Chief Ben Heape and Firefighter Robert McAlhaney operated the Command Post.