Irmo Fire District fights structure fire in Carriage Lane condominiums

Irmo, SC (Paul Kirby) At approximately 1:35 p.m. Tuesday, the Irmo Fire District responded to a reported condominium fire inthe 200 Block of Jefferson Place at the Carriage Lane condominiums. This is off St. Andrews Rd near the St. Andrews Shopping Center. A resident of another home in the complex noticed smoke coming from the unit and she called 911. The Columbia Fire Department and the Lexington County Fire Service also were dispatched to assist by automatic aid agreement.

First arriving units from the IFD found smoke coming from the eaves of the roof of one of the condominiums. Firefighters entered the affected unit to find and then attack the fire. Other teams entered the adjacent condos to make sure that everyone was out safely in case the fire had extended into some of the adjacent dwellings. Firefighters quickly discovered the fire was in the attic and made their attack. They quickly brought the blaze under control.

Once that portion of the operation was accomplished, the teams transitioned into a salvage and overhaul mode. During this portion of their efforts, they covered or wrapped the homeowner’s furniture, pictures, and other important household items in plastic to keep them from getting damaged by any residual humidity or dripping water.

The crews also conducted air monitoring operations in the attached units in case carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and lethal gas produced by fire, was trapped or at dangerous levels. This is done to ensure the safety of the occupants that are returning to those units.

Although the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, it is still being investigated. Damage to the dwelling was significant, but it was not classified as a total loss.