Beaufort County Fire Incidents Result in Fatalities and Property Damage

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Emergency responders at the scene of a camper fire in Beaufort County

News Summary

A recent fire incident in Beaufort County has resulted in a tragic fatality and considerable property damage. The camper fire on Huspah Drive was caused by an overloaded extension cord, leading to the death of a northern Beaufort County resident. Additionally, two separate brush fires ignited by yard debris on Thursday prompted responses from the Burton Fire District. Local officials are urging residents to exercise caution with fire activities due to the heightened risk posed by wind conditions.

Beaufort County Fire Incidents Result in Fatalities and Property Damage

A tragic fire incident in Beaufort County this past Sunday resulted in a fatality and significant property damage.

Camper Fire Incident

Location: Huspah Drive near U.S. 17 (Trask Parkway)
Time Reported: 6:40 a.m.
Fatality: An unidentified male resident of northern Beaufort County
Fire Status: Fully engulfed; extinguished approximately 45 minutes later
Investigation Findings: Overloaded extension cord was the suspected cause
Damage: Camper deemed a total loss; body discovered in the wreckage
Nearby Structure: An adjacent house was on the same property

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, overloaded extension cords are responsible for thousands of house fires each year. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office had not identified the deceased individual.

Brush Fire Incidents

In separate events, the Burton Fire District responded to two brush fires on Thursday, both caused by yard debris fires.

First Fire: Occurred just after 12:30 p.m. on Bruce K. Smalls Drive
Damage: A shed and motorcycle inside were destroyed; small fire on a neighboring home’s roof contained
Cause: Resident’s burning trash reignited
Second Fire: Reported at 2:00 p.m. on Kato Lane, quickly spreading across two yards
Threat: Both homes were endangered; minor damage to one home’s porch
Cause: Burning yard debris improperly mixed with cardboard and wind spread embers
Fire District Response: Responded to 24 brush, trash, or unsafe fires resulting in damage this season

Beaufort County officials urge residents to exercise caution during fire activities, especially with windy conditions and the potential for embers to ignite nearby properties.