17/April/2019 – Structure Fire – “A” Shift

Incident # 19-02618 – A juvenile and two teens saved a 66 year old woman from a burning home Wednesday 17-April. At 09:43, 9-1-1 was notified of a fire in the kitchen at a residence located at 7671 Rehoboth Road just south of Augusta Highway (SC Hwy 61). Firefighter-Paramedics responded from Station # 36 about 1 mile away and arrived minutes later to find smoke coming from all sides of the singlewide mobile home and flames coming from the front of the structure. Crews deployed one 1-3/4 handline, entered through the front door and quickly knocked down the fire which was contained to the area of the kitchen. The kitchen and adjacent exterior wall were heavily damaged by the fire, but most of the home and belongings were saved. 66 year old Diane Creel, resided in the residence. She is blind, on oxygen and has mobility problems. Also in the residence were 12 year old Jaylyn Creel, 15 year old Marina Creel and 18 year old Matthew Grooms. They advised when the fire occurred, they heard yelling and ran into the center of the mobile home to find the kitchen ablaze. The home was rapidly filling with smoke. Grooms use a bowl to throw water on the fire, knocking down the flames, while the other two assisted Ms. Creel. While trying to escape, Ms. Creel fell and all three of the kids then carried her out of the house. They were able to carry her a safe distance away from the mobile home, before placing her in the yard. Flames had already burned the outside wall and were entering the ceiling space and began burning the roof. Arriving Firefighter-Paramedics on Fire-Rescue Medic 9 treated Ms. Creel for smoke inhalation, but she chose not to be transported to the hospital. The young folk’s quick response and heroic actions saved Ms. Creel who was only a few feet away from the fire. Fire crews were on the scene for 1-1/2 hours. The fire originated on the stove, then spread to the cabinets and ceiling. The Red Cross is and other family members are assisting the family.

 Engine 5, Engine 9, Tender 9, Tender 19, Tender 34, Tender 36, Medic 9, Medic 19, Battalion 1, Car 107 and Car 112 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.