Incident# - CCFR2603496 Drought conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds on Saturday, led to a previously contained fire to escape containment lines. The original fire occurred on Tuesday afternoon (Incident # CCFR2603373) and the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) spent three days after the initial fire reinforcing fire breaks. On Saturday, the SCFC Telecommunications Center received a report from concerned citizens that smoke in the area was heavier than previous days. SCFC requested Fire-Rescue to respond and check the area. First arriving units noted a large wall of fire rapidly moving through the dry vegetation. SCFC arrived on scene 20 minutes later with 3 fire plows, a Forestry Management Officer, and an aerial reconnaissance plane. Forestry Firefighters worked diligently to contain the fire, and protect logging equipment. Despite flowing 4000 gallons of water from two engines, SCFC ordered the evacuation of all suppression personnel. The fire was topping pine trees and was quickly approaching where firefighters were protecting the logging equipment. Prior to evacuating, crews were able to move two pieces of equipment to a safe location. Colleton Firefighters relocated to CCFR Station #7 to regroup. Crews and apparatus were prepped to deploy for structural protection. SCFC relocated to Bent Gate Lane and plowed several lines to protect the homes and residents on Bent Gate Lane. Thanks to a late afternoon shower and an increase in humidity, SCFC was able to contain the fire. Fire-Rescue was released and SCFC remained on scene. On Monday, 27-April, Fire-Rescue provided a Tender for SCFC’s Fire Cat (tracked firefighting machine). SCFC Firefighters will use the machine to check containment lines and suppress any active fire along the containment lines. Residents should expect a large number of SCFC Firefighters and equipment in the area of Sunrise Road and Bent Gate Lane.
Photos by: Engineer/Paramedic Dan Barb and Chief Fire Marshal Michael Banks
Engine 7, Engine 17, Tender 7, Tender 17, Tender 18, Brush 23, Medic 7, C107, C110, C115, and Battalion 1 responded to the incident. Battalion Chief Scott O’Quinn served as Incident Commander.
