From staff reports
The Burton Fire District responded to its fourth vehicle fire this month, and 15th vehicle fire this year, showing a marked increase from 2019.
Just before 10 a.m. this morning, the Burton Fire District responded to a vehicle fire on Robert Smalls Parkway by Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery. Firefighters arrived on scene to a passenger vehicle fully involved in flames.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. Traffic on Robert Smalls was delayed for approximately 30 minutes while emergency crews operated. Two fire engines and a chief officer responded to the scene along with Port Royal police.
This is the fourth vehicle fire this month and the 15th for the year. This is a significant increase from the eight total vehicle fires the district responded to in 2019.
Fire officials say that while these fires appear benign, they are in fact very dangerous. Officials state magnesium, burning fuel, and toxic flames present a significant risk and health hazard. Burton fire officials encourage all vehicles have an A-B-C dry chemical extinguisher.
