From staff reports
Just past 1:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire Department, Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported house fire on Parris Island Gateway by the Broad River Blvd intersection after a passerby called 911.
A BCSO deputy was first to arrive and reported a single story home fully involved in flames.
Firefighters arrived on scene and were able to quickly bring the fire under control; however, due to the extensive fire in the wooden home, it took more than an hour to fully extinguish. In addition, firefighters also had to extinguish spot fires in the trees and brush around the area, including across the street, which were started by flying embers. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire.
The Parris Island Gateway and Broad River Blvd. intersection was closed for more than three hours while emergency crews worked, and one lane of Parris Island Gateway remained blocked throughout the morning as emergency crews continued to work at the scene.
One firefighter was treated by Beaufort County EMS for minor injuries but was able to return to duty. Burton fire investigators have determined the fire to be suspicious and are working with BCSO investigators to determine the cause.
