Incident # 24-09710 - A residential structure was damaged in an evening fire Saturday night 07-Dec. At 19:03, the neighbors called 9-1-1 reporting smoke coming from the home. The quick thinking neighbor stretched a garden hose over the fence and began spraying water in a window, reducing the flames. Engine 1 arrived minutes later to find smoke coming from the singlewide mobile home. The fire was contained to a bedroom on the south side of the building. Firefighter-Paramedics deployed one handline and entered the structure through the front door. They were able to quickly knock down the remaining fire in the bedroom, saving the rest of the home. No one was at home when the fire occurred. The bedroom received substantial damage and the remainder of the home received heat and smoke damage, but most personal items were spared. The fire originated from a space heater next to the bed. This is the second structure fire in two days related to a space heater. As a reminder, space heaters should not be left unattended and should be at least three feet away from other items such as furniture, clothing or drapes. Space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and never be attached to extension cords or power stripes. All homes should have working smoke detectors. County Council funds free smoke detectors to citizens living in the county fire district, which includes the unincorporated areas of Colleton County and the Towns of Cottageville, Lodge, Smoaks and Willimas. Citizens can call Fire-Rescue Headquarters at (843) 539-1960 to make an appointment to have firefighters install the smoke detectors at no charge.
Engine 1, Engine 19, Tender 1, Tender 19, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 19, Battalion 1 and Car 104 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.
