Fire Destroys 6 Townhomes and Damages 12 in Columbia, SC caused by a Charcoal Grill
By Albert N. Milliron
Media Credit Kathryn Milliron (Photogirl) from Iron Mill News Service
Update : 11:15pm – The cause of the fire has been determined to be from a charcoal grill that was knocked over due to the high winds in the area. The embers quickly spread and caused the fires, No charges have been filed.
Update 10:10 pm – After spending time on the scene, the fires that devastated 6 apartment townhomes has been
successfully extinguished. 12 additional homes were damaged by the blaze, but there were no injuries reported. A cat belonging to one resident did die in the fire.
Happening Now: Fire Breaks out in Northeast Columbia, SC Community. 6 Townhomes destroyed and 12 more damaged.
North Stone Apartments off Elders Pond Circle in North East Columbia (The writers office is on Elders Pond Circle)
Columbia fire officials say several townhomes in Northeast Columbia are on fire, and the blaze is threatening other homes. Firemen related that the fire near Elders Pond Circle, in the North Stome Apartemtns, has not been controlled, and that residents of adjacent townhouses are in danger from the smoke and fire.
Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says some nearby residents are being evacuated. Residents are not able to get into the area from the Elders Pond Road entrance as emegency vehicles are needing access.
There are no reported injuries to residents or firefighters. Politisite is on the scene with photos to follow, Note, our office is one block from the the scene.
We are sad to report that one of the residents Cat died in the fire.
Here is what the Main Stream Media is Reporting
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS)
Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says a man was trying to cook some barbeque at the apartments on Elder’s Pond Circle, and ended up leaving himself and neighbors homeless.
“Someone was grilling in the back of the apartments next to it. The wind was so high it actually kicked the grill over and set straw on fire,” says Jenkins.
After that, things happened fast.
“He tried to put it out, but to no avail. It spread quickly because of the wind. Once it started spreading, it set the apartments on fire,” Jenkins told WIS News 10.
About sixty firefighters were called to the scene for a job one man tried to do himself.
The Red Cross says three of the apartments which suffered smoke damage were in a different building as the one in which the fire started. About $535,000 in total damage was caused.
Jenkins says the man whose actions led to the fire will not be charged.
Red Cross workers were on scene offering support, giving food and clothes to the families who lived in the six destroyed apartments.
Workers say aid comes in the form of a money card which families can spend on necessities. The money generally lasts about three days, according to the Red Cross.
The Red Cross is also offering mental health services to people affected by the fire.
If you want to donate money to help the people affected by the fire, you can call the Red Cross at 803-540-1225 or send a check to PO Box 91, Columbia, SC, 29202.
Source: wistv.com via politisite
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