Bluffton Township Firefighters save home, detached garage a total loss

Bluffton, SC (March 7, 2023, 11:20 a.m. EST)  – Firefighters from Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) quickly extinguished a fire in a detached garage on James O Court in Bluffton before flames could cause serious damage to a nearby residence. Crews from several BTFD stations responded to the early morning fire that began while the resident was working in the garage. The fire grew quickly requiring the occupant to flee from the structure and call 911. An investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was accidental. 

The fire broke out just before 1:00 a.m. and required the response of Battalion Chiefs, fire engines, a rescue truck, and a water tanker truck, from BTFD Station 31 (May River), Station 34 (Sun City), Station 35 (Headquarters), Station 37 (Palmetto Bluff), and Station 38 (Hampton Parkway). Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Beaufort County EMS, and Dominion Energy also responded to the incident to provide support. No injuries were reported. 

“It is always unfortunate for our crews to have to respond to any fire, but residential fires are especially hard on the families whose lives they impact,” BTFD Fire Chief, Paul Boulware, said of the incident. “Fortunately, we train on a regular basis for incidents such as this and we were able to isolate the fire and extinguish it very quickly. Thankfully, there were no injuries or loss of life in this situation” 

BTFD would like to remind residents to have properly-rated fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them if necessary. Also, create a family escape plan and practice it on a regular basis. Be sure to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially in bedrooms and outside all sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms each month by depressing the test button until the alarm sounds. Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. 

For more information about home fire safety and resources to help prevent fires, please visit the Bluffton Township Fire District website at www.blufftonfd.com. You can also follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor. 

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