Crews contain outdoor fire in Horry County

VIDEO: Crews in Horry County were at the scene of an outdoor fire Friday afternoon. Horry County Fire Rescue said it was called to a nearly five-acre fire in the area of Cleveland Drive, which is located off Highway 554, at around 3 p.m. Around two hours later, the department said the fire was contained. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Loris Fire Department and the South Carolina Forestry Commission assisted county crews at the scene. HCFR added that residents in the area may also see smoke for “an extended amount of time” and that crews will continue to monitor the area.
WMBF-TV NBC 32 Myrtle Beach

Urban Search and Rescue team simulates parking garage collapse during test in Charleston

VIDEO: Dozens of Lowcountry firefighters that make up South Carolina Task Force 3 put their skills to the test and proving their operational readiness by simulating a parking garage collapse in Charleston. The Urban Search and Rescue task force’s annual Operational Readiness Exercise was held at Charleston Fire’s training center Saturday morning. Task Force 3 is one of five Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces in South Carolina. It’s made up of members from the Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Saint Andrews, James Island, Johns Island and Mount Pleasant fire departments. For hours, members cut through the pile, used the Jaws of Life and got victims out of the rubble pile. The task force has previously been called to assist after floods swept through Georgetown following Hurricane Dorian and put on standby after tornadoes touched down in the Midlands two months ago.
WCSC-TV CBS 5 Charleston

1 dead after vehicle collides with tree, catches fire in Loris

One person was killed after a vehicle collided with a tree and caught fire Sunday in the Loris area. Master Trooper David Jones with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the wreck happened at around 12:30 p.m. in the area of Highway 19 near S.C. 410. It involved a 2013 Mazda heading north on Highway 19 when it went off the roadway left and struck a tree before catching fire. The driver was the only person in the vehicle and died as a result of the crash. Horry County Fire Rescue crews were also called to the crash. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating.
WMBF-TV NBC 32 Myrtle Beach

Crews respond to fire at Ladson home

Fire investigators were working to determine the cause of a fire that heavily damaged a Ladson home Saturday night. The Caromi Volunteer Fire Department responded at 9:50 p.m. to a reported fire at a home in the 200 block of Miami Street. Initial reports stated someone might be trapped inside the home, firefighters said. When crews arrived, they learned everyone had made it out of the home. Crews were able to get the fire out. The Pine Ridge and Goose Creek Fire Departments and Berkeley County EMS also responded to the scene, firefighters said.
WCSC-TV CBS 5 Charleston

Former Horry County firefighter named Georgetown County fire chief

Georgetown County’s fire chief might look familiar to Horry County residents. James “Jim” Falkenhagen has been selected as the new Fire Chief for Georgetown County Fire-EMS, according to the Georgetown department. The post goes on to say Falkenhagen has more than 30 years of fire and EMS experience. He previously served as a District Chief with Horry County Fire, an EMS supervisor for Georgetown County EMS and as a company officer with Georgetown County Fire-EMS. Falkenhagen will officially move into his new role as Fire Chief on May 31, according to the post.
WBTW-TV CBS 13 Florence

Man heartbroken after learning his five dogs died in a Columbia house fire; one firefighter treated

A house fire on Greene Street in Columbia destroyed a man's home and took the life of his five dogs. Columbia-Richland Fire Crews responded to the fire on Greene Street Thursday afternoon around 4:30. No one was injured in the home, but one firefighter on scene was treated for heat exhaustion. Christopher Samuels was devastated by the damage to his home, but even more heartbroken to learn about his dogs. "That was my life. Those dogs kept me going. I don't know what I'm going to do. I really don't," said Samuels. Samuels says he has family he can turn to for help. Fire officials haven't said was sparked the flames. This is the second house fire Thursday afternoon that crews have responded to.
WACH-TV FOX 57 Columbia

Future Myrtle Beach firefighters showcase skills to loved ones ahead of graduation

Family members of the Myrtle Beach Fire Department’s latest recruits got to experience so up-close action on Thursday. The department held a family day for its latest class, allowing recruits to showcase their skills in training to become the city’s next group of first responders. Recruits used their training in various demonstrations, which left an impression on their loved ones. ”I’ve never seen anything like that up close in person,” said Holly Smith, who said her boyfriend was part of the latest class. “So It’s kinda like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see what they do and what they go through.” The recruits went through a 26-week program of intensive training, which included learning fire skills, vehicle extrication, learning to drive emergency vehicles and 12 weeks of EMT certification training. “It really was great, what a fantastic insight to see what they do,” said Nancy Levy, whose son Brian was also in the class.
WMBF-TV NBC 32 Myrtle Beach

No injuries in Columbia restaurant fire

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department responded to a fire early Thursday morning on Sparkleberry Lane. The fire started around 2:30 a.m. at San Jose on Sparkleberry, according to fire officials. The fire appeared to have started in the kitchen area. No injuries were reported. Crews were able to get the fire under control, according to officials. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office.
WIS-TV NBC 10 Columbia

Crews contain fire in Myrtle Beach

Crews responded to a fire in Myrtle Beach on Thursday evening. Capt. Jon Evans with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department confirmed to WMBF News that crews responded to the area of 17th Avenue South and Grissom Parkway. The blaze appeared to be under control shortly before 8 p.m. WMBF News Reporter Eric Richards was first on the scene, where smoke could be seen above trees in the area. Firefighters at the scene said it appeared that the fire occurred at a homeless encampment in the area. No injuries were reported and drivers were being asked to avoid the area.
WMBF-TV NBC 32 Myrtle Beach