Incident # 24-02614 - Fire-Rescue responded to a large woods fire Thursday afternoon 04-April in the 4000 block of Cottageville Hwy (US Hwy 17-A) At 15:15, Engine 19 was dispatched to a lawnmower on fire at a residence. On arrival, Firefighters found the lawn mower fully involved, but nearby grass had ignited. 30 MPH winds drove the fire into a nearby field and woods which quickly spread and grew to over 10 acres. Engine 19 requested additional fire units to assist. Several nearby homes were threatened. One residence had a large ornamental driveway arch which was too low to permit fire trucks to reach the home. As the fire spread near the home, Fire-Rescue sent several brush fire units who were able to drive under the arch and cut off the advance of the fire. The pickup truck size units kept the fire from reaching the residence. A Forestry Tractor also responded and cut a fire line around the fire. Smoke was heavy with near zero visibility in the area. For safety reasons Sheriff's Deputies rerouted traffic for about 1-1/2 hours. Five Fire Engines, two Tenders, two Brush trucks, one Forestry Tractor and several support vehicles responded. Firefighters kept the flames from reaching any structures.
Homeowners are reminded that Fire Apparatus requires a minimum of 14 feet by 14 feet of clear access to maneuver down a road or driveway. Low driveway arches or low hanging limbs can prevent emergency vehicles from reaching your home in the event of an emergency.
