Irmo Fire District Firefighters, With Assistance from Other Departments, Tackle 2-Alarm Abandoned Apartment Fire

Swift Response Prevents Outspread in Packed Neighborhood of St. Andrews

Firefighters from the Irmo Fire District, with help from several other departments including the City of West Columbia Fire Department, the Columbia Fire Department, and the Lexington County Fire Service, engaged in a challenging battle against a 2-alarm fire in an abandoned apartment building early on Thursday.

Witnesses Alert Fire Departments

An apparent fire broke out in the vacant apartment in the 200 block of Berryhill Road in the St. Andrews Road area, which raised alarms in the otherwise quiet morning of March 21, 2024. The initial distress signal quickly escalated into a 2-alarm fire even as the Irmo Fire District team was still in transit. The first responder on the scene reported heavy smoke and aggressive flames billowing from the roof of the structure.

Aerial Attack Helps Firefighters Gain Control

Without any delay, crews from the responding teams swiftly positioned ladder and tower trucks and commenced aerial dousing to contain the fire. It took a grueling two hours for the combined fire departments to gain control over the fire. The subsequent mop-up operations continued well into the early dawn to ensure that the fire was completely put down. The abandoned apartment block bore a tragic sight in the morning light.

Investigation Initiated, No Immediate Threat to Surroundings

As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Representatives from the fire departments at the scene reported that there was no immediate risk of the fire spreading to neighboring structures due to the prompt response. Securing the perimeter, firefighters used this intense situation to ensure the safety of the surrounding buildings and community.

A Show of Strong Inter-Departmental Unity

This incident notably highlighted the synergy between Lexington County Fire Service, Irmo Fire District, West Columbia Fire Department, and the Columbia Fire Department as they cooperatively worked to minimize the damages from this fire. Such a display of unity, in the face of adversity, reflects the dedication and commitment of these emergency service departments to ensure the safety and security of the communities they serve.

A Beacon of Hope for the Community

As the firefighters and the responding emergency service crews worked through the pre-dawn hours, their efforts serve as a beacon of hope. Even though an abandoned building was lost in this incident, the swift and commune reaction from the various departments reinforces the sense of safety among the citizens of St. Andrews and Lexington County. Today’s incident is a stark reminder of our tireless, brave defenders who work round the clock to safeguard the community from unforeseen perils.