Fire News South Carolina 8-2026

Columbia Makes Fast Stop of Electrical Fire

Crews made quick work of an electrical fire that broke out at a home on Churchill Circle.

See story on page 4

Rural House Fire on Augusta Highway

A passing motorists reported the porch of a well involved house fire.

See story on page 6

Mayday at Indian Land

House Fire

Firefighters responded to a structure fire on Baker Creek Avenue.

See story on page 8

Heavy Fire on Arrival for Irmo

First arriving crews found fire showing from a two-story home and extending to the vegetation around the house.

See story on page 11

Driver Critically Injured in Green Pond Hwy MVA

The driver suffered a severe head injury rendering him unconscious.

See story on page 15

Horry County Fire Rescue

Save Kitten

Crews rescued a kitten stuck in the engine compartment of a vehicle.

See story on page 21

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page 24

Quick Thinking by Garbage Truck Driver and BJWSA Employee

In the afternoon on June 8, 2026, the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department responded to a reported garbage truck fire at the Spanish Trace Apartments. Upon noticing smoke and fire within the load, the driver acted quickly and safely dumped the contents into a nearby parking lot, preventing the fire from extending to the garbage truck itself. Once the load was dumped, a BJWSA employee operating a vacuum truck nearby put water on the fire. Firefighters arrived on scene and fully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. We would like to commend the driver’s quick actions and the BJWSA employee who played a key role in preventing a more serious incident.

- Courtesy of City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal FD

Columbia Makes Fast Stop of Electrical Fire

Columbia Fire Department 3rd Shift crews made quick work of an electrical fire that broke out at a home on Churchill Circle shortly after 1430 hours on the afternoon of May 29, 2026. Firefighters were able to make entry into the home, gain access to the attic space where the fire was and bring the scene under control. All occupants made it out safely and there were no injuries.

- Photo courtesy of Columbia FD

Cover Story

Fatal MVA with Ejection and Fire

A passing motorist reported to 911 that a vehicle had crashed and was on fire at the intersection of McLeod Road and Branch Avenue, on July 19 at 0201 hours. The caller stopped and searched the area and found the driver had been ejected from the truck. Engine 19 arrived to find the truck in a wooded area at the intersection. The truck was fully involved and the surrounding woods were also on fire. Firefighter-Paramedics from Medic 19 located the adult who was found in the ditch approximately 75 feet west of the truck. The man had no signs of life and suffered multiple traumatic injuries. The truck had been traveling eastbound on McLeod Road when it failed to negotiate the curve and left the roadway at a high rate of

speed, entering the deep ditch. The truck flipped over at least five times before landing in the woods. The truck received heavy damage. Crews searched the surrounding area using flashlights and thermal imaging equipment, but no other occupants were located. The Coroner’s Office was notified and responded. The incident was being investigated by the SC Highway Patrol. McLeod Road was closed in the 300 block for two hours while the accident was being investigated. The Sheriff’s Office detoured traffic during that time. - Courtesy of Colleton County FR

Rural House Fire on Augusta Highway

An Augusta Highway (SC Hwy. 61) home was destroyed in a midday fire on June 11, 2026. A passing motorists reported the porch of a house on fire on Augusta Highway and the structure was said to be well involved. Engine 19 arrived to the rural community about 10 minutes later to find the two-story residence approximately 60-percent involved with flames coming from the windows and doors on both floors. Engine 19 used the deck gun to knock down the flames, as Firefighter-Paramedics deployed two 2-1/2 inch handlines. As additional units arrived, three additional handlines were deployed. One occupant was inside the building but escaped unharmed. The roof collapsed shortly after fire units arrived. A tender shuttle was established for water supply and Engine 7 responded to the boat landing on Jefferies Highway (US Hwy 15) at the Edisto River to refill tenders. Eight 3000-gallon tenders shuttled water for two hours until the fire was completely extinguished. Firefighters were on the scene for five hours. The Red Cross was assisting the family.

- Photos by Harold Buzzell, courtesy of Colleton County FR

Mayday at Indian Land House Fire

On May 17, 2026, at 1030 hours, Indian Land Fire Department responded, alongside mutual aid, to a structure fire on Baker Creek Avenue. First-arriving crews from the Pineville Fire Department encountered heavy fire conditions showing from a large, two-story, approximately 3300-square-foot residence. Under the command of Pineville Fire Department Deputy Chief Jason Klemowicz, firefighters quickly stretched attack lines and initiated an aggressive interior fire attack. As crews continued offensive ops, a Mayday was transmitted for two downed firefighters in the structure. Both firefighters, from the Pineville Fire Department, were able to self-extricate to safety. They were transported by Lancaster County EMS and Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of burn injuries as well as

fall-related injuries. Both firefighters were expected to make full recoveries. An additional firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital suffering from heat exhaustion. Command was transferred to Indian Land Battalion Chief Josh Honeycutt, who immediately requested mutual aid from the Charlotte Fire, bringing Engine 32 and Ladder 32 to the scene. Crews later transitioned to a defensive attack utilizing tower ladder master streams from Indian Land Tower 2, Pineville Tower 1, and Charlotte Ladder 32. Mecklenburg County EMS over the border in North Carolina responded with their MERV to assist with firefighter rehab. The fire was brought under control in approximately an hour. Waxhaw Fire provided standby coverage for Indian Land Fire District at Indian Land Station 2. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Quick Stop at Beaufort House Fire

On July 6, 2026, just after 1930 hours, the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, Beaufort County EMS and the Beaufort Police Department were dispatched to a residential structure fire in downtown Beaufort. Fire crews arrived to find a working fire and immediately went to work. Crews made entry into the home, quickly extinguished the fire, and safely rescued three pet reptiles from inside the residence. No injuries were reported.

- Courtesy of City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal FD

Brush Fire off Hickory Drive Ext.

Heavy Fire on Arrival for Irmo

Just before 0630 hours on July 5, 2026, Irmo Fire responded to a residential structure fire in the 300 block of Bayside Road. First arriving crews found heavy fire showing from a two-story home and extending to the vegetation around the house. Crews from Lexington County Fire assisted Irmo crews in extinguishing the fire. An occupant was able to escape unharmed. The home suffered extensive damage. Fire crews remained on scene managing hot spots for much of the morning. The cause was currently under investigation. - Courtesy of Irmo Fire District

Structure Fire in Port Royal Subdivision

Just before 1630 hours on July 20, 2026, the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department, Burton Fire District, Parris Island Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS responded to a structure fire in the Picket Fences subdivision in Port Royal.

- Courtesy of City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department

A Hot Afternoon for Columbia 2nd Shift Crews

One Injured in Burton Vehicle Fire

Late on July 10, 2026, the Burton Fire District responded to a vehicle fire resulting in one person sustaining injuries. Just before 1630 hours on July 10, 2026, Burton firefighters responded to a reported vehicle fire endangering a home on Laurel Street East in Burton. Firefighters arrived and found fire consuming the rear of a passenger vehicle approximately 15-feet away from a home. Firefighters quickly controlled and extinguished the fire. The home was not damaged. A young male stated that he was working on the vehicle’s fuel pump when it erupted in flames briefly consuming him. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by a family member. A female occupant who was sitting in the driver’s seat at the time of the fire escaped uninjured.

- Submitted by Burton Fire District

Columbia Fire Department responded to Bradford Ridge Lane shortly after 1515 hours on June 27, 2026. Upon arrival they found a home fully involved with flames quickly spreading to two neighboring homes. One of those two homes was already partially involved. A second alarm was called and more resources were sent to the scene. Braving hot weather and deteriorating conditions, crews were able to bring the situation under control. No one was injured but at least five people were displaced. The fire was determined to have been caused by a candle that was being used to repel mosquitoes behind the home where the fire started.

- Courtesy of Columbia FD

Two Displaced in Burton House Fire

Emergency Services, Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office, responded to a house fire which displaced two adults. Just past 0900 hours, emergency crews were dispatched to a reported house fire on Lemon Lane in Burton after the resident stated she came home to find it full of smoke. Firefighters arrived on scene and found smoke coming from a single-wide mobile home. Fire crews entered the home, extinguished the fire, and while they were told no one was inside, completed a search of the home. The home sustained heavy damages displacing the two adult residents. The Red Cross was called to assist. No injuries were reported.

- Submitted by Burton Fire District

1 Fatality at Fire on Tulip Street

The Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center received a 911 call at 1012 hours on June 1, 2026, reporting a residential structure fire on Tulip Street, with reports that a person may be trapped inside. North Charleston, Charleston, and Saint Andrews fire departments responded to the call along with Charleston County EMS and North Charleston Police Department. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from a single-family residence and immediately initiated fire suppression and search operations. During a primary search of the home, firefighters located one victim deceased. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and completed a secondary search of the residence, confirming that no other occupants were inside. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. The origin and cause of the fire were under investigation. The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy and the American Red Cross were assisting the affected family. One resident was displaced.

- Submitted by Capt. Laura Kelley, Fire Safety Coordinator

Columbia, Irmo Work Apartment House Fire Air Handler Fire in Colleton Co.

Columbia Fire Department 2nd Shift crews worked with Irmo Fire District and were able to stop an apartment fire from spreading at The Lory of Harbison on June 3, 2026. Smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the building off Fairforest Road when firefighters first arrived, shortly before 1045 hours. All occupants of the building escaped safely. Three tenants of the apartment where the fire broke out were treated on scene by Richland County EMS and released. Crews entered the apartment, extinguished the fire and brought a cat and dog in the unit to safety. Unfortunately, a third pet did not survive. The unit where the fire started was left with significant damages. One apartment below was also damaged by water. A total of eight people in the building were displaced. The fire was caused by unattended cooking in the upstairs apartment.

- Courtesy of Columbia FD

Fire-Rescue units responded to a residence in the 700 block of Branch Ave at 0656 hours on July 18, 2026, for a structure fire. Engine 19 arrived to find smoke visible from all sides of the singlewide mobile home. The occupants advised the fire started in the air handler inside the mobile home. Several animals were still inside the building and the homeowner was having difficulty breathing possibly due to smoke inhalation. The fire had burned underneath the mobile home and spread along the bottom of the floor. While FirefighterParamedics from Medic 26 treated the woman, other crewmembers deployed a 1-3/4 inch handline to the structure. Crews removed several sections of the underpinning and crawled under the building to extinguish the fire. The fire damaged the floor, electrical wiring and plumbing underneath the structure. Firefighters rescued the animals from the smoke-filled home. The injured resident was transported to HCA Colleton Hospital in Walterboro for additional treatment. Fire units were on the scene for approximately 1-1/2 hours.

- Courtesy of Colleton County FR; photo by Harold Buzzell

Driver Critically Injured in Green Pond Hwy MVA

An adult was critically injured in a MVA at the intersection of Green Pond Highway (SC Hwy. 303) and Rivers Street, on June 16, 2026, at 0747 hours. A witness alleged a white SUV pulled in front of a northbound pickup truck. The pickup truck attempted to avoid the collision and slid sideways on the wet pavement, crossed a grass median and struck a large pine tree in the driver’s door. The impact displaced the cab and had, approximately, 1-1/2 feet of intrusion into the pickup truck. The driver was wearing a seat belt, but suffered a severe head injury rendering him unconscious. A Fire-Rescue unit was on the scene within five minutes, confirming the patient was trapped and critical and began administering medical care. As other

units arrived, Firefighter-Paramedics used a saw to remove several smaller trees to gain access to the driver’s side of the truck and removed the vehicle’s roof and displaced the driver’s door to free the driver. The patient was extricated and treated briefly at the scene. Medic-1 transported emergent 1 to the CARE Flight base. The flight crew administered advanced airway care before flying the patient to the Trauma Center at HCA Trident Hospital in North Charleston. The accident was being investigated by the SC Highway Patrol. Anyone who may have information regarding the white SUV is encouraged to contact the SC Highway Patrol.

- Courtesy of Colleton County FR

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

SCSFA Conference 2026

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

SCSFA Conference 2026

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association SCSFA Conference 2026

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

Fire

Chiefs: A reminder about rosters

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association department membership invoices are distributed annually on October 1. To ensure all members of your department are listed on the roster, fire chiefs or their designee are responsible for reviewing and verifying their department's roster in the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association's Member Management System (MMS).

A quick review now helps ensure your department is invoiced accurately and that every eligible member receives the benefits and communications they deserve.

As you review your roster, please verify:

• Current membership: Remove individuals who are no longer with your department and add any eligible members who have not yet been entered into the system.

• Number accuracy: Confirm your roster reflects the members your department intends to cover so your October invoice is accurate.

• Member information: Ensure each member's email address,

phone number, mailing address, and other contact information are current. Accurate information allows the Association to communicate directly with members about benefits, training opportunities, legislative updates, and other important announcements.

• Membership status: Verify that eligible members are correctly reflected in the system so there are no issues with benefit eligibility.

Maintaining an accurate roster is more than an administrative task. In the event a member needs to access an Association benefit, accurate department records can help prevent unnecessary delays or eligibility issues.

Individual members can view their information by logging into the MMS and navigating to the My Departments tab.

Thank you for taking the time to verify your department's roster before October 1. A few minutes of review today helps ensure accurate invoicing and uninterrupted member benefits throughout the year.

South Carolina Firefighters Gather for Largest In-State Training

Columbia, South Carolina (June 2026)—Over 6,000 South Carolina firefighters gathered in Myrtle Beach in June for the largest in-state training during the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s annual FireRescue Conference.

The flagship event of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, Fire-Rescue Conference has been a staple in the fire service for 121 years. Nearly 50 courses covering a wide range of topics were instructed over the 4-day training conference.

President Jason Dennis, Clarendon County Fire-Rescue Chief, was sworn in as the 80th President of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association at the Transfer of Command on Saturday, June 13. Mount Pleasant Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief William (Billy) Barnes was named 4th Vice President after an uncontested election.

“What an honor it is to stand here tonight… deeply humbled to stand here,” President Dennis said. “While I’m deeply humbled, I’m also honored to stand before you tonight as President of this great Association.”

“As firefighters, we understand the value of commitment, teamwork, and service. Daily, we answer the call to protect our communities, support one another, and uphold the highest standards of our profession. Those same principles will guide me in my leadership as President,” President Dennis added.

During his remarks, President Dennis thanked the membership, Executive Committee, his family, and Clarendon County Fire-Rescue.

“This is a privilege and an awesome responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” President Dennis stated. “Together, we will continue to address the challenges facing the fire service while embracing opportunities to strengthen our profession for future generations.”

Before concluding Fire-Rescue, President Dennis congratulated the 2026 award winners.

Meritorious Action Award recipients:

• City of Columbia Fire Department – Christopher Byrd, Campbell Jacobs, Ryan Espling, Zachary Finch, Nicholas Branham, Nicholas Finley, Desiree Colon, Cameron Jones, Blake Cartee, Richard Shell, Cameron Ingram, Taylor Crews, Davis Taylor, Sean Stephens, Alexander Papalazarou, Jackson Rish

• Greenwood County Fire Service – Nak Amiri, Sean Wargny

• Simpsonville Fire Department – Caleb Carter

Medal of Valor Award recipients:

• Central Berkeley Fire and EMS – Matthew Gaskins

• GVW Volunteer Fire Department – Evan Lloyd

Firefighter of the Year

• Berkeley County Government – Benjamin Waring

Vehicle Collisions a Leading Weekend Response

The Burton Fire District responded to 32 emergencies over the weekend from June 12 to the morning of June 15, 2026, five of which were vehicle collisions. And while medical emergencies comprised the majority of emergency responses, five responses involved vehicle collisions, all resulting in injuries and one of which had a trapped occupant.

The first vehicle collision occurred on Parris Island Gateway involving a vehicle and a bicycle. The second vehicle collision occurred on Carolina Avenue in the Grays Hill community. The third vehicle collision occurred on Trask Parkway by Roseida Road. The fourth and fifth vehicle collisions were reported back-to-back Monday morning on Joe Frazier and Bay Pines Road and Castle Rock Road respectively. Minor injuries and traffic delays reported.

The Burton Fire District has responded to over 90 vehicle collisions so far in 2026; 63 percent of those collisions resulted in injuries, and five of which have resulted in the rescue of trapped occupants.

- Submitted by Burton Fire District

Kitten Handled with Care

At just before 1500 on June 10, 2026, crews from Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) Station 15 (Bayboro) were food shopping at a local grocery store when they were flagged down by employees, worried about a kitten stuck in the engine compartment of a vehicle. The caring HCFR crews worked diligently to remove the wee kitten, who may have been a little scared and dehydrated, but was expected to make a full recovery. Great job, providing the best possible service to patients of all species!

- Courtesy of Horry County FR

Multi-Agency Live Fire Training Hosted by Indian Land

Flames rolled through windows and smoke filled the air on June 9, 2026, as firefighters put their skills to the test during an intense live fire training exercise hosted by the Indian Land Fire District. A home slated for demolition on Harrisburg Road was donated to the department, creating a rare opportunity for firefighters to train in realistic, controlled fire conditions that closely mirror the challenges faced on actual emergency scenes. Throughout the day, crews worked through multiple fire suppression scenarios, including basement fires, bedroom fires, hoseline advancement, and other hands-on evolutions designed to sharpen critical firefighting skills. An RIT and secondary hoseline crew remained in place throughout the exercise, prepared to immediately respond in the event of a firefighter emergency or rapidly changing fire conditions. Training alongside Indian Land firefighters were members of the Lancaster County, Pineville, Wesley Chapel, and Steele Creek. Crews successfully completed multiple evolutions before the structure was ultimately deemed unsafe for interior operations. Under the direction of Deputy Chief Nick Campagna, the home was then burned to the ground. These realistic training events help ensure firefighters are prepared when real lives are on the line.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com and William G. Kennedy

TRAINING

Boat Ops Rescue Training

Over a three-day period, 14 members of the Duncan Fire Department (DFD) participated in boat operations training with several other departments as part of the Spartanburg County Rescue Group. The training provided hands-on experience in water rescue operations, boat handling and multi-agency coordination. DFD continues to train with partner agencies to strengthen readiness and improve service to the community they serve.

- Courtesy of Duncan FD

Dealing with Football Spinal Injuries

Members of the Duncan Fire Department are trained, along with the athletic trainers at James F. Byrnes High School on the safe removal of football helmets and shoulder pads during serious injuries or suspected spinal injuries. Working together before an emergency happens helps ensure a coordinated response and the best possible care for injured athletes. Thank you to the Byrnes athletic training staff for partnering with us!

- Courtesy of Duncan FD

FINANCIAL FITNESS FOR FIREFIGHTERS

You Speak, We’re Listening: Finances Are Crucial To Your Health And Wellness

By Ryan Fields-Spack – Associate Director, Responder Wellness, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T

Imagine you’ve just been relieved from another grueling firehouse shift. Eighteen calls in 24 hours and almost no sleep. Driving home, your mind drifts from the controlled chaos of the engine to the stack of bills waiting for you. Mortgage payments, student loans, credit card debt—the financial worries that refuse to take a backseat despite the lifesaving work you do.

In my 25 years of experience in emergency response, including 7 years with the FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), I’ve seen firsthand how financial stress can impact the mental health and overall well-being of first responders. And in your responses to the 2026 “What Firefighters Want” survey, you were loud and clear: Firefighters want help with financial well-being.

Why Financial Wellness Matters

Financial stability is important to a good quality of life. But many firefighters face a unique challenge: the pride and satisfaction of doing their dream job can quickly give way to the realities of the work.

In the past, we were expected to figure it out on our own. Things have changed now, and we know that by addressing these financial stressors, you can improve your mental health, job performance, and overall quality of life.

As a result, FirstNet has partnered with Ramsey SmartDollar to pilot financial wellness programs specifically tailored to first responders. Created by Dave Ramsey, widely regarded as a financial literacy pioneer, these programs enable fire districts to provide practical tools and resources to help firefighters manage finances, reduce debt, and build a secure financial future.

Key Components of Financial Wellness Financial wellness boils down to a few core practices:

1. Creating a budget: It may not be easy or fun, but creating a budget provides a sense of accomplishment and control.

2. Eliminating debt: Getting and staying debt-free is central to true financial wellness.

3. Building an emergency fund: Handling life’s surprises without panic requires a cash cushion.

4. Investing for the future: Build a clear path toward retirement and long-term goals.

5. Changing behavior: Knowing what to do isn’t the problem — doing it is. Real wellness starts with changing money habits.

The SmartDollar program guides you step-by-step through each of these to financial stability. You’ll learn how to stick to a budget, get out of debt, save for the future, and build wealth. When it comes to dealing with emergencies, firefighters love a good standard operating procedure. Well, this plan is for you, for transforming your own—and your family’s—futures.

FirstNet understands that your job is more than just a profession— it’s a calling. And while we’re known for providing reliable communication during emergencies, we also care deeply about your overall well-being. Taking care of your financial health is just as important as helping to make sure you have the connectivity you need when and where it matters most.

Take control of your financial future and learn more about the SmartDollar program.

LIBERTY ARTWORK JUST UNVEILED IT’S NEWEST MONUMENT “TOOLS OF TRADITION” AT THE MARYLAND STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN OCEAN CITY, MD.

We finished it the night before we left St. Lous for the conference as it made its way across the country to the east coast. While traveling down the highway we noticed other cars slowing down to take photos of the statue and when we stopped for fuel or food we met brother firefighters who came up to inquire about the monument.

The following is the description of the monument and I have attached a picture of my father, Robert Daus Sr. Retired St. Louis Firefighter and founder of Liberty Art Works who was at the Convention to unveil it. This exceptional bronze monument was sculpted to integrate iconic

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium is officially scheduled — and registration is open.

Since 1990, F.I.E.R.O. has proudly hosted the first and longest-running Fire Station Design Symposium in the nation. This year, we return to the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina for three and a half days of education, collaboration, and connection.

Dates: September 21–24, 2026

• Location: Hyatt Regency, Greenville, SC

firefighting tools such as an Officer Trumpet, Wooden Ladder, Pike Pole, Straight Bore Nozzle, Fire Ax, and Leather Fire Helmet into a prominent freestanding display of tradition. The tools emerge from a rolled fire hose base which completes the inspiration of the sculpture. The ax will proudly display the department logo on both sides in a 3D form. Finished in a classic brown patina, sealed to withstand the elements, and outfitted with internal stainless-steel pins for mounting. Made in the USA visit www.libertyartworks.com for more information.

Total Height 50” width (ax) 36”

Hose Base: 21” deep x 25” wide from coupling to edge of hose.

Weight: 250lbs approx.

• Pre-Conference Seminar: Monday, September 21 (Full Day)

• Main Symposium: September 22–24 (Half Day)

Whether you are a firefighter, architect, facility planner, or industry professional, this is the premier event for fire station design, construction, renovation, and technology.

Mark your calendars and watch your inbox — full program details are coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you in Greenville.

Warm regards, The F.I.E.R.O. Team

Lugoff Fire-Rescue Cadets Win at South Carolina Fire-Rescue 2026

The Lugoff Fire-Rescue (LF-R) Cadets participated in the Explorer/Junior Firefighter competition, held on June 13, 2026, at the annual South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (SCSFA) FireRescue Conference in Myrtle Beach. Results were as follows.

1st Place Individual Gear Donning - Amir Threatts.;

2nd Place Individual Gear Donning - Harris Fuller. 1st Place Team Gear Donning - Amir Threatts; Bay-Leigh Hendley; Danielle McCormick; and Harris Fuller. 1st Place Hose Deployment-Amir Threatts; Bay-Leigh Hendley; Danielle McCormick; and Myott Byrum; 3rd Place Hose Deployment - Colton Willis; Josef Meyers; Lorenzo Valentin; and Harris Fuller.

Left to right, front row: Bay-Leigh Hendley, Danielle McCormick, Austin Divers, Amir Threatts. Back row: Clarence Williams (Advisor), Kirk Willis (Advisor), Myott Byrum, Harris Fuller, Colton Willis, Lorenzo Valentin, Josef Meyers, Michael Taylor, Michael Jones (Advisor), Preston Estep (Advisor). - Fire News courtesy Lugoff FD

MVA with Entrapment on North Kings Highway

At 1421 hours on July 7, 2026, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported entrapment call at a business on the 9000 block of North Kings Highway. A large tree fell on a vehicle, confining the driver. HCFR crews utilized extrication and stabilization operations to remove the confined person who was transported to the hospital. - Courtesy of Horry County FR

Lugoff Fire-Rescue Awarded $14,000 Grant from Duke Energy

Duke Energy recently awarded Lugoff Fire-Rescue (LF-R) with a $14,000 grant for four Intelligent River BridgeBox sensors, which are designed to monitor area creek water levels.

The grant, submitted by Battalion Chief Chris Jones, will allow LFR to obtain up to four Intelligent River BridgeBox sensors that will be installed in strategically located areas along the Twenty-Five Mile Creek and the Buck Creek in the Lugoff Fire District.

After recent flooding events, LF-R began to evaluate better ways to be proactive in monitoring local flooding. This research has led to the Intelligent River BridgeBox system. The Intelligent River BridgeBox system is a proven, deployable technology that mounts to existing bridges and/or poles and uses advanced, non-contact radar to continuously measure water levels with high accuracy. This device has a small -form factor that has been deployed at more than 100 sites in South Carolina in partnership with the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) and can be mounted above known flood locations.

- Photo provided by Dr. Christopher Post, Clemson University

Burton Fire Warns Residents to Prepare Their

Property

Burton Fire District firefighters are warning residents to start preparing their property for severe weather. With Beaufort County in hurricane season, along with severe summer storms, Burton firefighters are urging citizens to prepare their properties to prevent injury and damages. Officials advise residents to check with insurance companies for a more inclusive list; however, some basic recommendations are: rim trees and branches that threaten your home or vehicle; secure yard items like furniture, grills, and play sets which can become projectiles in high winds; clear roof drains and check your roof for loose or damaged shingles; and prepare shutters, such as plywood, for vulnerable windows.

While hurricanes and weather fronts will provide some advanced warning to prepare, some of the worst weather-related damages Burton firefighters have responded to have come from storms that generate locally with little to no warning. - Submitted by Burton Fire District

Flint Hill FD Becomes SC Fire Safe Community for 7th Straight Year

Flint Hill Fire Department was awarded as a South Carolina Fire Safe Community at the 2026 South Carolina Fire-Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach. Flint Hill Fire Department has been awarded the SC Fire Safe Community designation for seven years since the program began in 2019. This award shows Flint Hill Fire Department’s commitment to fire safety education within the community and their commitment to community risk reduction as it relates to fire safety. Pictured left to right: Flint Hill FD Station 1 A-Shift Captain Josh Dahnke, Flint Hill FD Administrative Assistant Liz Dahnke, Flint Hill FD Deputy Chief of Operations Dale Carnes. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

GVW FD Metal of Valor Award & Fire Safe

Several members of the Graniteville Vaucluse Warrenville (GVW) Fire Department attended the 2026 South Carolina State Fire Rescue Conference, where they were recognized as a 2025 Fire Safe Community, one of eight departments within Aiken County to receive such recognition. GVW would like to say congratulations to the following departments: Belvedere Firefighters, Midland Valley Fire Department, North Augusta Public Safety, City of Aiken, South Carolina Government, Monetta Volunteer Fire Department, Beech Island Fire Rescue, Jackson Volunteer Fire Department.

Assistant Chief Jonathan Bond and Sergeant Cody Black were on hand to receive the award. Congratulations to the men and women of the department who work hard every day to ensure the safety of our community.

The award recognizes the department’s ongoing commitment to community risk reduction, fire prevention education, data-driven safety initiatives, and efforts to reduce fire-related injuries and property loss throughout their community. - Submitted by Cody Black

Bluffton Township Fire District

Captain Recognized for 20 Years of EMS

Service

Bluffton Township Fire District

Captain Brandon Stevenson was recently recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for achieving 20 consecutive years of National EMS Certification. This distinction is an honor held by few EMS professionals.

To maintain his status as a Nationally Registered EMT, Stevenson completed, on a biennial basis, the most comprehensive recertification program for EMS professionals in America.

Stevenson was nationally registered as an EMT-Basic in 2006. He joined Bluffton Township Fire District on Aug. 2, 2003, and has spent his entire career with the district. He was promoted to Senior Firefighter B in 2007, Senior Firefighter C in 2008, Lieutenant in 2010, Fire Captain in 2012, and Station Captain in 2020.

Throughout his career, Stevenson has served on the district’s Hiring Committee, Fire Investigations team, Safety Committee, Honor Guard, and Combat Challenge Team. He currently serves as Station Captain of Station 37, the district’s Palmetto Bluff station.

About the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

The National Registry serves as the National EMS Certification organization. It provides a uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers, and maintains a registry of certification status.

- Submitted by Stephen Combs

Up Close & Personal

Up Close & Personal

MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Indian Land Fire District Members after completing multiple 4th of July parades and wetdowns on July 4, 2026

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup .com

Indian Land Fire District Tower 1 firefighters after the conclusion of a Live Fire Training on June 9, 2026.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMedia Group.com

MOTLEY CREW OF THE MONTH

Hill Fire Department firefighters from Engine 1, Tower 1 and Engine 2 after clearing a recent commercial building fire at Cabelas in Fort Mill.

-Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Indian Land Fire District Makes a Splash for America’s 250th

Indian Land Fire District provided residents with some much-needed relief from the summer heat during several Independence Day celebrations on July 4, 2026. Station 2 firefighters from Tower 2, Tanker 2 and Battalion 1 participated in annual July 4th parades and community wetdowns throughout Barber Rock, Audubon Lake, Rosemont and Bridgemill. Following each parade, Tower 2 used the water-spray curtain mounted beneath its aerial platform to cool down children, adults and other community members as temperatures reached approximately 100 degrees. Indian Land firefighters made a big splash while helping residents create lasting memories during the celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com