From staff reports
Saturday night, Nov. 11, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Rescue, and Beaufort County EMS responded to what was initially reported as a brush fire in the Habersham community that quickly grew and spread, threatening nearby businesses and homes.
Just past 5:30 p.m., emergency crews responded to the rear of 18 Market Street in the Habersham community for what was reported as a brush fire. Fire crews from the Habersham fire station arrived in minutes to find that the fire had grown and spread rapidly, threatening the nearby buildings in which businesses are located on the first floor with private residences above.
Firefighters quickly pushed the flames away from the buildings and extinguished the fire within five minutes. Fire crews searched the nearby buildings utilizing thermal imaging to ensure the fire had not extended into the live-work structures and found no heat or damages.
The fire remains under investigation but appears to have been caused by a malfunction of overhead patio lights. All damages were confined to the outside patio area.
“This fire grew and spread rapidly, and all from what appears to have been a simple bulb,” Burton Assistant Fire Chief and investigator Steve Kenyon said. “Had the fire extended into the buildings, which are four connected businesses and residences, it could have caused significant damages and displacements.”
