The Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 1:15 pm on April 26th, reporting a small commercial upholstery shop around the 2400 block of Spruill Ave on fire with citizens potentially trapped inside. North Charleston Fire Department, Charleston Fire Department, St. Andrews Fire Department, and North Charleston Police Department all responded to the call along with Charleston County EMS.
First arriving firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames from the front of a small brick building. Supply hose lines were laid on Spruill Ave, blocking the roadway in both directions while firefighters were operating. Firefighters could not initially enter the building due to heavy fire content and initiated an exterior fire attack. North Charleston Police reported all occupants self-evacuated the structure. Incident Command requested an upgraded response which initiated more fire trucks and Charleston County Rescue Squad for rehab. Fire crews did transition to an interior fire attack, but after 15 minutes, Incident Command requested an evacuation of the structure due to compromised structural integrity and extreme fuel content in the building. Approximately one hour after receiving the 9-1-1 call, Incident Command was able to deem the fire under control.
Two patients were evaluated by Charleston County EMS. One patient refused treatment and a second patient was transported to the hospital for non-life threating medical issues. Additionally, one firefighter was evaluated on scene and released. The incident remains under investigation.
Remember these important tips when calling 9-1-1:
• Get out and stay out of a burning building – then call 9-1-1.
• You can use any cell phone to call 9-1-1. Every cell phone has an “emergency” function even if the screen is locked.
• Stay calm and speak clearly.
• Know your location – by address or an intersecting street.
• Do not hang up until directed to by the 9-1-1 dispatcher.
• Answer the dispatcher’s questions promptly and to the point.
• If the situation changes before help arrives, call 9-1-1 again and give the dispatcher an update.
Smoke alarms save lives! Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home. Smoke alarms over 10 years old should be replaced. North Charleston Fire Departmentcan install free smoke alarms in your home.
For additional fire safety information, follow North Charleston Fire Department on the NorthCharleston.org website, Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, and Instagram.
