‘The resident did the right thing’ during apartment fire in Bluffton

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV)—The Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) responded to a fire at an apartment on Wednesday night where the resident did the right things.

Firefighters from BTFD Stations 30, 31, 33 and 35 arrived on scene of the fire at Emerson Isles Apartments on Simmonsville Road within four minutes, deploying three engines, two ladder trucks and a heavy rescue truck. The BTFD was able to confine the fire to a walk-in closet and master bedroom of the affected unit, preventing it from spreading further, but the resident of the apartment helped out in her own way too.

“The resident did the right things: she heard the smoke alarms, attempted to extinguish the fire, and when she realized it was beyond her ability, she promptly evacuated her family and called 911,” said Fire Chief Paul Boulware in a press release. “Every family needs a home fire escape plan that they practice regularly, working smoke alarms that are tested monthly, and fire extinguishers that are properly charged and that they know how to operate. State statistics reveal that many fire-related fatalities can be prevented by these simple steps.”

The woman also shut the doors behind her as she was evacuating which helped contain the fire. Residents living in the three adjoining units were evacuated but were able to return that night.

A local American Red Cross is helping the affected family with temporary shelter and other needs according to the Bluffton Fire press release.