Incident # 26-02552 - A fast moving woods fire destroyed approximately 70 acres in the Cottageville community on Saturday, March 28. Initial 911 callers reported a fast moving fire around 1530, that was threatening several homes. Engine 9 arrived minutes later in the 1200 block of Addison Road and noted fire on both sides of the road. Due to the heavy smoke conditions and near zero visibility, Engine 9 requested additional Fire-Rescue apparatus, personnel, and The South Carolina Forestry Commission to respond a plow. Several firefighters and apparatus arrived on scene and were tasked with structural protection. During the incident a power pole was damaged that led to the pole falling, hindering fire ground operations. The power company was requested to respond. SCFC deployed three plows and and airplane for reconissance. SCFC and Fire-Rescue worked tirelessly to contain the fire. The wind driven fire had flame heights were estimated to be 20+ feet. This made plowing and fire suppression difficult. The fire was jumping lines as they were being plowed. Thanks to the valiant efforts of Fire-Rescue, community members, and the SCFC Tractor Operators, only one chicken coup was lost. No homes were damaged. Fire-Rescue was on scene for over 3 hours.
Fire-Rescue would like to thank Mrs. Becky Pelton, the wife of District Captain Steve Pelton, for providing all responders with sandwiches and drinks during the incident.
Engine 9, Engine 27, Engine 34, Tender 9, Tender 27, Tender 34, Brush 8, Brush 9, Brush 27, Brush 36, C112, C115, C118, Medic 9, and Battalion 1 responded to the incident. Lieutenant Shane Weber assisted by SCFC Edisto 6 handled Incident Command.
