BLUFFTON, S.C. (August 26, 2026) — Two people and one pet died following a residential structure fire Tuesday in Bluffton’s Edgefield subdivision.
Bluffton Township Fire District firefighters arrived to find an active fire with three occupants and several pets inside the home. Crews immediately began rescue and fire suppression operations.
Firefighters rescued two occupants from the home and initiated CPR after both experienced sudden cardiac arrest. One person died at the scene. The second was transported to an area hospital and later died. A third occupant survived the fire.
Seven pets were inside the home when the fire began. One cat died despite resuscitation efforts. Six pets, including three dogs and three cats, were evacuated safely.
American Red Cross has been notified of the tragedy to provide assistance to the family.
One Bluffton Township firefighter was injured during the response and transported to an area hospital for evaluation. The firefighter was treated and released.
SLED is investigating the cause of the fire, however no determinations have been confirmed at this time.
This is the first fatal structure fire in the Bluffton Township Fire District in two years.
The Bluffton Township Fire District extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and neighbors during this painful loss.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available and can be confirmed. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has released information regarding the deceased.