Home damaged by fire Friday afternoon

Oak Grove, SC (Paul Kirby) – Lexington County Fire Service units from Oak Grove, Lexington, South Congaree, Red Bank, and several other stations responded to a residential structure fire Friday afternoon just after 3:00 p.m. The home was located on Cherry Grove Dr. off Orchard Hill Dr., close to Kitti Wake Baptist Church.

When firefighters first arrived, they reported that heavy flames and thick, black smoke were coming out of the home along the ridge of the roof and in several other spots. Firefighters entered the burning home with hose lines, accessed the attic area, and applied their water streams on the fire with direction from their fire commander outside. He was communicating with the interior team via radio to ensure they were hitting the seat of the fire. In a matter of minutes, they were making headway on containing the blaze. More firefighters arrived, added their water to the effort, and at just after 3:30 p.m., the fire was said to be under control.

The utility company was requested to respond and disconnect the power from the home. The water was also cut off to keep it from flowing freely from the pipes that had burst in the home. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family that was displaced. There were two minor injuries reported; however, the family said that they have been unable to locate their cat that they thought might be in the home. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

The firefighters were assisted by a crew from Lexington County EMS. They were there helping the firefighters with rehabilitation and to help if someone were injured during the fire fight.