West Columbia Fire Department beginning an investigation into fatal fire on Westside Drive

West Columbia, SC 02/28/2022 (Paul Kirby) – The West Columbia Fire Department is being assisted by several law enforcement agencies in the investigation of a fatal fire that occurred early Monday morning. According to the Department, the structure fire was on Westside Drive in proximity to Westside Baptist Church. West Side Drive runs from Rainbow Drive to Brooks Avenue parallel to Platt Springs Road in the City behind the church itself. The call for service was received at approximately 6:40 a.m. according to Operations Chief Marquis Solomon of the West Columbia Fire Department.

As with all fire related deaths, investigators are moving slowly and working methodically to determine what started the fire. Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher’s office also has a key role in determining the specific cause and manner of death of the fire victim so that law enforcement officers will eventually know whether they are looking into an accident or a crime.

We will continue to follow this throughout the day and provide more information as soon as it becomes available.

If you live in the City of West Columbia and do not have smoke detectors in your home or have not had your smoke detector's batteries checked recently, call the Department at 803 791-4440. Anyone who lives in the county outside the City's limits of West Columbia should call 803 785-8145.