Sun City fire destroys home and claims life of dog

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WSAV)—Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) responded to a fire in the Sun City community claimed a home and the life of a dog on Saturday.

The fire was reported around 6:45 p.m. and the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and fully extinguished within 50 minutes according to BTFD.

Two residents were able to escape and were transported to local hospitals for smoke related injuries. Their conditions are unknown currently.

BTFD firefighters rescued a dog from the home and attempted to resuscitate it, but the dog did not survive.

Fire Chief Paul Boulware, who was on the scene, said that he credited the prompt response of neighbors and firefighters with the evacuation of the residents.

Firefighters from Bluffton Township Fire District Stations 31 (New Riverside), 34 (Sun City), 35 (Fording Island Rd.), 37 (Palmetto Bluff) and 38 (Hampton Parkway) responded, alongside Beaufort County EMS, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and Sun City Security.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office but is not believed to be suspicious in nature according to the BTFD.

The BTFD said that with this incident, residents, particularly those in older sections of Sun City, are reminded to follow these fire safety guidelines:

• Replace your smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
• To test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are in working order.
• Change smoke alarm batteries at least once per year.
• Make sure to have working fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide alarms if gas appliances are present in your home.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan which includes a safe meeting place away from the home.
• Never attempt to re-enter a home or area on fire for any reason.

For more information, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (843) 757-2800.