Incident # 25-07340 - Smoke alarms are being credited with saving two people from an early morning structure fire that occurred Thursday 18-Sept at 03:27. The occupants of a home in the 300 block of Pine Needle Road were awakened by the smoke alarms and were able to escape the home. They noted the home was filling with smoke and they could feel the heat from the fire in the attic. As they ran from the residence they saw the roof was in flames. The couple ran to several neighbors homes before they could wake someone to notify 9-1-1. A Sheriff's Deputy on patrol in the neighborhood drove up on the fire minutes later, reporting the home was fully involved. Engine 1 arrived and deployed a deck gun to knock down the heavy flames. Firefighter-Paramedics advanced multiple handlines to the building and entered through the front door. They had the fire under control in about 25 minutes. A water shuttle using Tenders was conducted for water supply. The home suffered substantial damage with the roof on one side being burned away. The shell of the building remains, however the interior was destroyed. The family lost most of their belongings and their car, which was also destroyed. The two occupants were evaluated at the scene by Firefighter-Paramedics and transported by Fire-Rescue Medic 13 to HCA Colleton Hospital in Walterboro with smoke inhalation. They were later released. Fire units were on the scene for four hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the Red Cross is assisting the family.
The family was saved by early detection and warning from smoke alarms installed in the home by Fire-Rescue two years prior. The Colleton County Council funds the free smoke alarms for residents in the County Fire District, which includes the entire unincorporated area of the County and the Towns of Cottageville, Lodge, Smoaks and Williams. Any resident can receive free smoke alarms by calling Fire-Rescue Headquarters at (843) 539-1960 and making an appointment. Firefighters will come to your home at a convenient time for you and install the detectors at no charge.
Engine 1, Engine 19, Tender 1, Tender 6, Tender 19, Tender 26, Medic 1, Medic 13, Medic 19, Medic 26, Battalion 1 and Car 111 responded. Battalion Chief Scott O'Quinn served as Incident Commander.
