A Colleton County woman was injured and displaced from her home following an early morning structure fire on Cox Street. The December 4th fire was reported by a neighbor. The occupant was asleep in a chair when she was awakened by her blanket being on fire, she said was ignited by a nearby space heater.
The woman received burns to her legs but was able to escape the burning home and run to a neighbor’s house to obtain help. Colleton County Fire-Rescue arrived to find the singlewide mobile home 40 percent involved. Firefighter-Paramedics entered the structure to extinguish the fire. Crews treated the woman for her injuries and transported her to Colleton Hospital. The space heater and the remains of the chair were located, and the fire appears to have started in that area of the home. The Red Cross was called to assist the woman.
The home had no working smoke alarms. Colleton County residents are reminded that the County Council funds free smoke alarms for residents of the County Fire District, including the Towns of Cottageville, Lodge, Smoaks and Williams. Citizens are encouraged to contact Fire-Rescue Headquarters at (843) 539-1960 to make an appointment for Firefighters to come and install the free smoke alarms in their homes. Early fire detection can save lives and reduce property damage. The smoke alarms are provided at no cost to the residents. Additionally, space heaters should be given plenty of space. They should always be placed at least 3 feet from any objects, especially combustible materials, such as clothing, furniture or other personal items.
