Colleton County Fire-Rescue responded to a large woods fire Thursday afternoon April 4 on Cottageville Hwy. Crews from Station 19 were dispatched to a lawnmower on fire at a residence. Firefighters found the lawn mower fully involved and nearby grass had ignited. 30 MPH winds drove the fire into a nearby field and woods which quickly spread and grew to over 10 acres. Engine 19 requested additional fire units to assist with the call. Several nearby homes were threatened including one residence had a large ornamental driveway arch which was too low to permit fire trucks to reach the home. Fire-Rescue sent several brush fire units who were able to drive under the arch to stop the advance of the fire. A Forestry Service Tractor also responded and cut a fire line around the fire. Sheriff’s Deputies rerouted traffic for about 1-1/2 hours to avoid heavy smoke and zero visibility in the area. Firefighters were able to keep the flames from reaching any structures.
Colleton County Fire-Rescue would like to remind homeowners that Fire Apparatus require a minimum of 14 feet by 14 feet of clear access to maneuver down a road or driveway. Low driveway arches or low hanging limbs can prevent emergency vehicles from reaching your home in the event of an emergency.
