Incident # 21-02004 - Fire-Rescue and the Forestry Commission responded to three separate, intentionally set woods fires involving nearly 50 acres, Tuesday afternoon 23-March in the Springtown area in Northern Colleton County. A passerby notified 9-1-1 of the first fire near the corner of Can City Road and Powder Horn Rd that was endangering several mobile homes. First arriving Firefighters found a large fast moving multi-acre fire involving approximately ten acres near several mobile homes. Engine 7, Engine 17, Engine 36 and Tender 5 positioned near those homes, deploying multiple hand lines to protect them. They requested two tractors from the Forestry Commission. While engaged with that fire a motorist stopped to advise Firefighters of a second woods fire about a mile south of their location. Engine 26 was dispatched to that location and found approximately six acres on fire. No homes were endangered at that fire. The Forestry Commission also dispatched two tractors to the second fire. Light winds quickly spread the first fire in an easterly direction which grew to involve approximately 40 acres and endangered homes on Misty Ridge Lane as well. About 45 minutes later, 9-1-1 received reports of a third fire near Sunrise Road and Bent Gate Lane about two miles west. Engine 7 was relocated to the Bent Gate Ln fire and Engine 33 responded to assist. The Forestry Commission also dispatched two tractors to Bent Gate Ln. The Forestry Tractors cut lines around the fires. Units from both agencies were on the scene most of the afternoon until the fires were contained. No homes were damaged. Approximately 48 acres were burned in the three fires. Anyone with information about those responsible for setting the fires are encouraged to contact the Forestry Commission at 1-800-92-ARSON, Fire-Rescue Headquarters at (843) 539-1960 or the Sheriff's Office at (843) 549-2211.
Photos by Harold Buzzell
