A Poplar Street home was destroyed in an early morning fire Friday 27-December. At 02:55, Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue was notified of the house with flames coming out of the windows. Engine 19 arrived minutes later to find the single-story wood-frame residential dwelling fully-involved, with flames 40 feet in the air. An unattached, two-story garage behind the home was threatened. Firefighters deployed two 1-3/4 handlines and one 2-1/2 handline to combat the fire. Engine 19 attempted to use a deck gun, but was not effective reaching the building due to trees in the yard. A second alarm was issued 20 minutes into the incident for additional personnel and tenders.

Barry McRoy photo

Barry McRoy photo

Barry McRoy photo

Barry McRoy photo

The roof over the center of the structure collapsed shortly after arrival. Water supply was conducted with a tender shuttle. It took firefighters about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.  The home was a rental property and was not occupied, however it did have power connected. The building was heavily damaged and almost completely destroyed. The separate garage was not damaged.

While crews were finishing overhaul operations, a second, well-involved structure fire one block from this residence was reported. Tender 26 was able to be freed from this scene, responded to the other fire and began firefighting efforts. Due to the close proximity and the suspicious nature of the fires, the Sheriff’s Office and State Police (SLED) Arson Unit were contacted to assist with the investigation.

Engine 19, Engine 24, Tender 1, Tender 19, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 19, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Scott Feather served as Incident Commander.

Barry W. McRoy

Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue