BLUFFTON, S.C. (Aug. 19, 2026) — Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) crews responded to two separate structure fires within hours of each other early Tuesday morning. No injuries were reported in either incident.
Vine Street Fire
BTFD units were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Vine Street just after 2:20 a.m. Working smoke alarms alerted the resident inside, who was able to get out safely before crews arrived.
Nine units responded to the scene, including engines, a rescue unit, a truck company and two battalion chiefs. Crews remained on scene for several hours working to bring the fire under control.
The home was, unfortunately, a total loss. One adult was confirmed to be home at the time of the fire. It is not known whether additional people lived at the residence. The cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation.
“This fire is a powerful reminder of why working smoke alarms matter,” said Fire Chief David Hindman. “The early warning they provided gave this resident the time needed to get out safely. That is exactly what these devices are designed to do, and it is why we continue to encourage everyone in our community to test their alarms regularly.”
Bluffton Parkway Fire
Just before 7:30 a.m., BTFD was dispatched to Bluestone Apartments on Bluffton Parkway for a report of a sprinkler water flow alarm. An engine from Station 30 responded, and the district’s heavy rescue unit was added shortly after to assist.
When Engine 330 arrived, crews found a kitchen fire in a first-floor apartment. The building’s sprinkler system had already activated and extinguished the fire before it could spread to other units. The residents of the apartment got out safely, and no other units in the complex were affected.
The fire is believed to have started as a cooking fire, though a final cause has not been determined. The incident remains under investigation.
Red Cross Assistance
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist residents affected by both fires.
BTFD reminds residents that working smoke alarms and properly maintained fire sprinkler systems save lives and can prevent a fire from spreading. Residents are encouraged to test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
