Incident # 26-06304 - A child perished and two adults were seriously burned in an early morning structure fire at 10 Mazio Circle off of Bells Hwy near the Ruffin Community. The incident occurred Monday 27-July at 06:11. Initial reports to 9-1-1 indicated the home was on fire with two people injured and a person still trapped inside. A passing electrician with Lee Electrical stopped and assisted the injured people. A Sheriff's Deputy also assisted the injured people providing first aid. Engine 18, stationed at Bells Crossroads, arrived minutes later to find the single story wood frame structure approximately 80% involved in fire. Two additional Fire-Rescue ambulances were requested and assigned to the incident. Firefighter-Paramedics used a deck gun to knock down the heavy flames and deployed multiple handlines to the building. Other personnel treated the two injured adults who suffered serious burns. Both were transported emergent to the Burn Center by Fire-Rescue Medic 7 and Medic 26. Witnesses stated all three occupants had escaped the fire, but the child ran back inside the burning structure for unknown reasons. Crews worked for approximately 35 minutes to bring the fire under control, but were performing overhaul for two hours. The Coroner's Office was notified and responded to the scene. SLED's Fire Investigators and the State Fire Marshall's Office also responded to the scene which is standard procedure for an incident relating to a fire death. Fire-Rescue units and Law Enforcement were on the scene much of Monday investigating a cause for the fire. Sheriff's Deputies provided traffic control on the busy Bells Hwy. (SC Hwy. 64) throughout the incident.
Citizens are reminded that Colleton County Fire-Rescue provides and installs free smoke alarms for any residential building in the Fire District. You can call Fire-Rescue Headquarters at (843) 539-1960 and make an appointment to have your free smoke alarms installed in your home. Early detection of fires can save lives.
Engine 18, Engine 26, Tender 1, Tender 18, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 7, Medic 18, Medic 19, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Car 104,
Car 105, C112, C103, Car 107, Car 115 and Car 118 responded. Fire Chief David Greene served as incident Commander.
Photos by Harold Buzzell
