By Mike McCombs
The Island News
The man killed in the Saturday, Aug. 16 fire on Fripp Island that completely destroyed three homes and severely damaged two others, has been identified.
According to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, the deceased was “identified through DNA” as 70-year-old Michael Pate.
Around 10:15 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 16, the Fripp Island Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 718 Bonito Road. Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes to find one home fully engulfed in flames and two adjacent residences in danger.
The fire spread quickly and the Lady’s Island/St. Helena Fire District, City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department and the Burton Fire District all assisted with manpower and resources.
According to the Fripp Island Fire Department, fire crews remained on the scene for more than 14 hours to ensure full containment and safety.
One individual was unaccounted for during the response to the fires. Ultimately, the man, as well as a dog, was found inside one of the destroyed structures.
“The Fripp Island Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” the department said in a news release at the time.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
