Colleton County Fire-Rescue

All posts tagged Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Rescue of victim trapped under a tractor in Colleton County, SC – June 13, 2015

Posted by firescenesadmin on June 14, 2015
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A 41 year-old man was trapped under an over-turned tractor for nearly an hour, Saturday morning 13-June. Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue was notified of the incident at 08:26 on a path that ran through the woods off of the end of Gary Street east of Walterboro. The man had been operating a tractor with a bush hog when the unit fell into a ditch and flipped over. The driver was pinned under the tractor in about 6 inches of water. The front of the tractor miraculously landed on a culvert and by the grace of God did not crush the driver.

firemen at the scene of a resceu

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen free man trapped under a farm tractor

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen at the scene of a resceu

Barry W. McRoy photo

Heavy fire apparatus could not reach the scene so firefighter-paramedics walked about 2/10 of a mile down the path to reach the patient. Extrication equipment, including high pressure air bags and hydraulic tools were transferred to a fire department pickup truck and transported to the location. Crews stabilized the tractor with a winch and cribbing. Firefighters used hand tools to dig under the tractor in an attempt to free his legs. The steering wheel and pieces of the tractor were removed with Holmatro hydraulic cutters so the man could be slid out. The actual extrication took about 35 minutes. He was extricated with full spinal precautions, then placed in a stokes basket to be carried up the embankment. The man complained of pain to his legs and received a second degree burn from hot oil dripping on his legs. He was transported to Colleton Medical Center for further treatment.  Units were on the scene for about 1-1/2 hours.

Engine 19, Medic 19, Rescue 1, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Captain Chris Jones served as Incident Commander.

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue

firemen at the scene of a resceu

Barry W. McRoy photo

over turned tractor that injured the drive

Barry W. McRoy photo

 

2-Alarm commercial fire in Colleton County, SC – June 9, 2015

Posted by firescenesadmin on June 10, 2015
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A local Jacksonboro restaurant was heavily damaged in an early morning structure fire Tuesday 09-June. At 02:36, Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue was dispatched to Flo’s Diner when a passerby noticed flames coming from the roof of the building. The restaurant is located at 16804 ACE Basin Parkway (US Hwy. 17) at the intersection of Hope Plantation Lane. Engine 2 arrived minutes later to find heavy fire conditions in the rear of the approx. 3000 sq. ft. establishment and fire venting from the eaves on both ends of the building. A second alarm was requested shortly after arrival. Initial crews set up a drop tank for a water shuttle operation since the rural community does not have a water system. Firefighters used a deck gun and deployed one 2-1/2 inch and two 1-3/4 inch handlines to combat the fire. Engine 2 was set up on the east side of the building. Engine 6 arrived, setting up on the west side of the business. Engine 6 also set up a drop tank, then used a deck gun and deployed two 1-3/4 inch handlines. Ladder 19 was set up in the highway directly in front of the building. Power lines running in front of the building created some operational difficulties. Engine 6 supplied Ladder 19. Three lanes of ACE Basin Parkway were blocked due to the firefighting and water shuttle operations. Sheriff’s Deputies directed traffic for six hours until the roadway could be reopened.

restaurant engulfed in flames at night

Barry W. McRoy photo

fireman battle restaurant fire at night

Barry W. McRoy photo

heavy fire at night time fire scene

Barry W. McRoy photo

deck gun used to fight fire at night

Barry W. McRoy photo

restaurant fire at night

Barry W. McRoy photo

fire engine at night fire scene

Barry W. McRoy photo

fire trucks engulfed in smoke at night fire scene

Barry W. McRoy photo

An initial investigation pointed to the area of an exterior HVAC unit at the rear of the business. It appeared the fire entered into the kitchen and attic space through the duct system. The business was recently remodeled. The back of the building, including the kitchen and coolers suffered heavy fire damage. The attic also suffered heavy damage. The main dining room suffered mostly smoke, water and drop down damage from the falling burning ceiling. Firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire within 35 minutes, saving the main structure, but the interior and roof suffered extensive damage. Some important belongings, records, and computers were saved. Seven tenders shuttled water for four hours during firefighting and overhaul operations. Fire units were on the scene for 6-1/2 hours. No injuries were reported.

Engine 2, Engine 6, Tender 2, Tender 6, Tender 9, Tender 12, Tender 19, Tender 22, Tender 27, Ladder 6, Ladder 19, Squad 9, Medic 1, Medic 6, Medic 9, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 107, Car 110 and Car 118 responded. The Commander Post was operated by Battalion Chief Scott Feather, Asst. Chief Marty Stallings and Chief McRoy.

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue

fire engine drafts from dump tank at fire scene

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen battle a restaurant fire at night

Barry W. McRoy photo

multiple fire department water tenders line up at a fire scene

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen overhaul fire

Barry W. McRoy photo

2-Alarm fire in Colleton County, SC – May 22, 2015

Posted by firescenesadmin on May 31, 2015
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A passing motorist reported a home burning Friday evening 22-May at 3541 Azalea Patch Road. At 22:15, the first caller to Colleton County (SC) 9-1-1 advised the home was well-involved with flames coming through the roof. Firefighters arrived minutes later to find the ranch-style home approximately 80 percent involved and most of the roof had already collapsed. A large workshop behind the home was being threatened.

First arriving units requested a second alarm and directed Engine 4 to set up a water shuttle operation at a dry hydrant located ½ mile north of the incident. Crews used a deck gun, two 2-1/2” handlines and four 1-3/4” handlines to combat the fire, as well as protect the exposure.

Firefighters had the bulk of the fire knocked down within twenty minutes, but remained on the scene performing overhaul for four hours. The unintentional fire appears to have started in an upstairs room and had been burning for some time before the motorist saw the flames. No one was at home when the fire occurred. Four dogs in the back yard were not injured.

Engine 1, Engine 4, Engine 10, Engine 18, Engine 31, Tender 1, Tender 4, Tender 13, Tender 15, Tender 26, Tender 90, Medic 13, Medic 18, Medic 26, Battalion 1 and Car 105 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.

Photos by Harold Buzzell

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief

rural house engulfed in flames at night

Harold Buzzell photo

firemen battle rural house fire at night

Harold Buzzell photo

fire engines pumping at night fire scene

Harold Buzzell photo

fire engine drafting from a dry hydrant and filling tanker

Harold Buzzell photo

firemen battle rural house fire at night

Harold Buzzell photo

Man burned at house fire in Colleton County, SC – May 27, 2015

Posted by firescenesadmin on May 29, 2015
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A 43-year-old man was severely injured in a structure fire at 71 Overlook Lane west of Walterboro Wednesday morning 27-May. At 02:27, Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue was notified of the incident with the caller reporting flames were already burning through the roof.

Deputy Chief Greene arrived two minutes later to find a well-involved, single-story, brick veneer structure approximately 45% involved. He began treating the injured man who received second and third degree burns to his hands, and burns to his face. Engine 1 arrived minutes later and deployed a deck gun on the structure, as well as one 2-1/2 inch handline and two 1-3/4 handlines. Engine 26 set up a water shuttle operation from the road and supplied Engine 1 who was parked down a small driveway.

While firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, Firefighter-Paramedics rapidly transported the man to Colleton Medical Center to be stabilized. Due to poor weather conditions near the Georgia border, no medical helicopters could fly to the Burn Center. Fire-Rescue Medic 1 transferred the man emergent from CMC to the Still Burn Center at Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta Georgia 1-1/2 hours away.

The fire had already destroyed most of the eastern side of the residence and burned into the attic on the western side. Crews worked for 25 minutes to bring the fire under control. Most of the roof was burned off of the building, but the living area on the western side of the building was saved. The area suffered drop down and water damage, but many personal items were salvageable. The fire appears to have started in the kitchen near the stove. The man was awakened by smoke alarms in the home. He ran to a neighbor’s house to summons help.

Engine 1, Engine 26, Tender 1, Tender 4, Tender 15, Tender 18, Tender 26, Tender 27, Ladder 19, Medic 1, Medic 18, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 105 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief

rural house engulfed in fire

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen battle a rural house engulfed in fire

Barry W. McRoy photo

fireman battlesrural house engulfed in fire

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen battle rural house engulfed in fire

Harold Buzzell photo

aftermath of house fire

Harold Buzzell photo

Firefighter injured battling house fire in Colleton County, SC – March 15, 2015

Posted by firescenesadmin on March 16, 2015
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One firefighter was injured and a residential dwelling destroyed Sunday morning 15-March. At 01:15, Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue was notified of a reported explosion and house fire at 461 Three Mile Road, north of Walterboro. Engine 19 arrived to the rural dirt road minutes later to find the single-story, wood-frame dwelling fully involved.

It is suspected that the home had been burning for quite some time before anyone discovered the fire, as the entire roof had already burned off of the building. A LP tank was found to be venting behind the structure sending flames 20 feet into the air. It is believed the tank venting was the loud noise which alerted neighbors to the fire.

firemen battle a fire at night

Photo by Harold Buzzell

The driveway to the home was equipped with a narrow metal gate which prevented fire apparatus from accessing the property. Firefighters deployed two 3-inch lines from Engine 19 through the yard to the building, then gated them down to supply two 1-3/4 handlines each. One crew was dedicated to cool the LP tank, while other firefighters battled the blaze.

One nearby exposure was endangered; a detached apartment, carport and utility room was connected by a covered walkway and located about 30 feet from the burning home. A portion of the covered walkway was badly damaged, however firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching the apartment and carport.

firemen battle a fire at night

Photo by Harold Buzzell

While engaged in extinguishing the fire, a portion of the floor near the front of the building collapsed. One firefighter fell through the floor and was inures landing on the floor joists below. He was transported by ambulance (Medic 26) to Colleton Medical Center, where he received treatment for broken ribs and other non-life threatening injuries before being released from the hospital later in the day.

Firefighters remained on the scene for 5-1/2 hours. The large home had been vacant for over a year, but still had power connected. The origin of the fire appeared to be suspicious in nature. Colleton Fire Investigators notified the Sheriff’s Office and the State Police Arson Unit (SLED). SLED agents and other investigators remained on the scene throughout the morning.

Engine 5, Engine 19, Engine 26, Tender 1, Tender 19, Tender 26, Medic 19, Medic 26, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded.

Photos by Harold Buzzell

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Photo by Harold Buzzell

Photo by Harold Buzzell

firemen battle a fire at night

Photo by Harold Buzzell

MVA with entrapment in Colleton County, SC – December 2, 2014

Posted by firescenesadmin on January 20, 2015
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Three New Yorkers and a large canine were trapped in a minivan after it left the highway and flipped on its side in the morning of 02-December. At 09:23, several callers reported the accident to Colleton County (SC) 9-1-1 operators. The northbound Honda minivan left the roadway at a high rate of speed near the 40-mile marker at the Colleton-Hampton County line.

The vehicle slide down the embankment, uprooted a tree, and rolled over onto the passenger side trapping the three occupants. The exterior of the van was wrapped in vines, making it difficult to see from the highway. Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue Engine 13 arrived to find the car in the swamp along the Combahee River. They reported hearing the occupants banging on the inside of the van.

Firefighter-Paramedics stabilized the van using the winch from Rescue 1, cribbing, and stabilizer jacks. A chain saw was used to remove several small trees and the vines from around the van. Crews were then able to force open the rear hatch to the van. After a few minutes of unloading luggage from the back of the van, personnel were able to access the patients.

The large canine was secured by a male patient and later placed in a dog carrier. Two patients suffered non-life threatening multiple traumatic injuries and were extricated with spinal precautions. The third patient refused treatment and ambulance transportation.

Low angle rigging was used to pulled the patients up the embankment. Hampton County EMS transported one female patient to Colleton Medical Center (CMC). Colleton County Fire-Rescue Medic 13 transported the other female patient to CMC. Northbound traffic was down to a single lane for an hour, causing it to back up for several miles. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Engine 13, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Medic 13, Car 12, Car 105, Car 107, Car 117, Animal Control, and Hampton County EMS responded. Deputy Chief David Greene served as the incident commander.

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue

firemen on the highway working a wreck

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen cut trees to gain access to car wreck

Barry W. McRoy photo

firefighters extricate victims from car

Barry W. McRoy photo

firemen use a ladder to get patient up a ravine

Barry W. McRoy photo

2-Alarm house fire in Colleton County, SC – December 2, 2014

Posted by firescenesadmin on January 16, 2015
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A home located at 601 Enoch Road was heavily damaged by an electrical fire Tuesday evening 02-December. The incident was reported at 17:40 when the family smelled smoke in the home. Upon investigating the smell, they found smoke at the ceiling level of the master bedroom and called 9-1-1.

Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue Engine 31 arrived minutes later to find heavy smoke conditions and flames visible from a window at the front of the residence. Firefighters deployed multiple handlines and entered the structure through the front door. They encountered heavy fire conditions and issued a second alarm.

Firefighters knocked down the fire in the living area from the front hallway, but had problems reaching the fire in the attic. The older wood frame home had several additions, with layers of sheet rock over tongue and groove as well as two roof additions covered with metal. Approximately 25 minutes passed before the fire was brought under control, however overhaul took several hours.

The family was able to safely exit the building. Investigators determined the fire originated near an electrical junction box in the attic over the master bedroom. Fire-Rescue responded to the same residence two weeks earlier for a similar incident with a shorted electrical box over one of the additions near the rear of the home. The Charleston Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Engine 4, Engine 10, Engine 18, Engine 31, Tender 1, Tender 4, Tender 13, Tender 15, Tender 26, Tender 27, Tender 29, Medic 18, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12, and Car 107 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as incident commander.

Photos by Harold Buzzell

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue

rural house fire at night

Harold Buzzell photo

rural house fire at night

Harold Buzzell photo

rural house fire at night

Harold Buzzell photo

charred interior of house after fire

Harold Buzzell photo