At 11:40 Sunday morning 15-December, a US Postal employee delivering packages saw smoke coming from the roof and windows of a home in the 200 block of Gadsden Loop in Colleton County SC. She immediately notified the Sheriff’s Office.
Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue Engine 1 arrived minutes later to find smoke coming from the roof and eaves of the single-story, brick veneer structure. Firefighter-Paramedics forced open the front door and entered with one handline. They found the kitchen on fire with extension into the attic. A second handline was deployed to the rear of the house. Crews quickly had the fire under control.
While searching the home for any occupants, they found three unconscious large pit bulls. Firefighters rescued the animals and brought them to the front yard where they began resuscitative efforts on the animals, using Fido Bags which are carried on all Colleton County Fire-Rescue ambulances. The Fido Bags contain specialized equipment to administer care to canines during times of emergency. Two of the animals responded to the care and after about 30 minutes regained consciousness. Within 45 minutes, the two surviving dogs were able to stand on their own.
Sadly the third dog did not survive, but a fourth, very small dog was discovered alive during overhaul operations. This dog did not appear to have suffered any ill effects from the fire. All of the dogs were turned over to Animal Services officers. The home suffered heat and smoke damage. The fire was contained to the area of the kitchen and the attic above the kitchen. Most personal items and the remainder of the home was saved but received smoke damage. The fire started on the stove. No one was at home when the fire occurred. Units were on the scene for two hours.
Postal workers find many fires while in the performance of their duties. In addition to delivering our mail, they are in our neighborhoods daily and are able to report things that are not normal. The actions of this carrier resulted in saving three dogs and prevented the destruction of the home.
Engine 1, Engine 19, Engine 27, Tender 1, Tender 6, Tender 19, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 6, Battalion 1 and Car 104 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.
Barry W. McRoy‘ Fire Chief – Colleton County Fire-Rescue
