Categories: Bluffton, SCBreaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Bluffton Fire District Responds to Two Fires in Quick Succession

Firefighters work tirelessly to manage the blazes in Bluffton.

News Summary

Bluffton’s community faced two significant fire incidents in less than 24 hours, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. The first fire, ignited by an overloaded extension cord on Little Possum Lane, resulted in the total loss of a camper trailer. The second blaze engulfed a historic home on Bridge Street, with its cause still being investigated. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. Fire officials are reminding residents about the importance of fire safety, especially during the winter months.

Bluffton Fire District Responds to Two Fires in Quick Succession

Bluffton has seen a whirlwind of fire-related incidents lately, with firefighters jumping into action during two separate fires less than 24 hours apart. It seems that the community’s holiday cheer was met with some unfortunate circumstances, as local fire crews worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe.

Late Night Blaze on Little Possum Lane

The first fire broke out late on Dec. 22, around 11:15 p.m., when an urgent call went out regarding a structure fire on Little Possum Lane. Firefighters from the Bluffton Township Fire District, including teams from Stations 30, 31, 33, and 35, were promptly dispatched to the scene.

Upon arriving at the location, firefighters could see that a camper-type trailer was fully engulfed in flames. The situation looked grave, but fire crews sprang into action and managed to bring the fire under control swiftly. Nonetheless, the fire caused significant damage to a neighboring home, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the nearby residents.

Fortunately, everyone living in the affected structures evacuated safely, and there were no reported injuries. The cooperation of Beaufort County EMS and the Bluffton Police Department ensured a smooth response during this dramatic event. After hours of effort, the incident was finally resolved, and the scene was cleared by around 1:00 a.m. the following day. Sadly, the camper involved was deemed a total loss.

Investigators later determined that the cause of the fire stemmed from an overloaded extension cord connected to a space heater, a reminder for everyone to be mindful of their home safety practices. Bluffton Fire Chief Paul Boulware underscored the crucial importance of fire safety, imploring residents to avoid using overloaded extension cords and to stay cautious with high-wattage appliances, especially in winter months.

Another Fire Strikes Old Town Bluffton

Just as the community began to recover from the earlier incident, another fire struck less than 24 hours later on Dec. 23. This time, firefighters responded to a historic home on Bridge Street around 5:30 p.m. The historic residence, dating back to the 1800s, was engulfed in heavy flames, with visible fire erupting from both floors on the back side of the building.

The windy conditions presented a challenge for the firefighting efforts, making it even harder to control the flames. Nevertheless, brave firefighters executed defensive operations from both the front and rear of the home, calling upon three engine companies, a quint, a ladder truck, and heavy rescue teams to manage the situation efficiently. Local emergency services and the Bluffton Police Department once again stepped in to lend additional support.

Thankfully, the owner of the historic home was not present during the fire, and family members who were there were able to evacuate without injuries. However, the exact cause of this fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

A Community on Alert

As Bluffton deals with the aftermath of these incidents, it’s a crucial time for the community to stay alert and prioritize safety in every household. Firefighters and local volunteers are always ready and willing to assist, but prevention is key to avoiding such frightening events in the future.

Stay safe, Bluffton, and let’s all work together to keep our homes and families secure during this busy season!