News Summary
Beaufort County recently dealt with significant firefighting challenges, including multiple brush fires and a suspicious mobile home fire. The local fire departments collaborated to control the blazes, which stemmed from unattended fires. Investigations into the causes are ongoing, with local authorities urging residents to practice fire safety amid rising incidents. Additionally, a leadership suspension has raised concerns in the Bluffton Township Fire District.
Beaufort County is grappling with a series of firefighting challenges as two significant brush fires occurred this past Friday, burning more than seven acres. The local firefighting community was mobilized, with teams from the Burton Fire District joining forces with Sheldon Fire and the Forestry Commission to bring the blazes under control.
According to reports from the Burton Fire District, both fires were traced back to unattended fires that spread beyond control. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as the Burton Fire District has responded to over 106 outdoor fires in 2025 alone, a stark increase from the 44 fires recorded during the same timeframe in 2024.
In addition to the brush fires, residents are still reeling from a mobile home fire that occurred late Monday evening, which has been classified as suspicious. Responders received the initial report shortly before 11 p.m., and upon their arrival, the mobile home was already fully engulfed in flames. Fire crews managed to extinguish the initial blaze by 2:34 a.m. but were subsequently called back at 5:27 a.m. for a second fire. Firefighters faced significant challenges during the operation, including difficult road access and dense vegetation, leading to the temporary closure of Joe Frazier Road in both directions.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries associated with the mobile home fire, though one adult man was displaced from his home. Investigators are currently examining the cause of this fire, given its suspicious nature.
That same day, a separate fire broke out at a house on Everett Lane around 3:00 p.m., resulting in another total loss. Fire response to this incident involved multiple departments, including Washington, Pinetown, and Bunyan. Reports indicate that neighbors helped ensure the safe evacuation of the residents and their pets. As with the previous fires, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire on Everett Lane.
In a related development, the Beaufort County Council has suspended the chairman of Bluffton’s fire department board, Rick Krob, amid an ongoing investigation into matters concerning the Bluffton Township Fire District. The situation has led to the case being referred to the State Ethics Commission, although specific details of the inquiry remain undisclosed. This suspension follows an earlier incident involving former Chief Paul Boulware, who was instructed to return all district property.
The ongoing investigation into Krob’s actions is still unfolding, with the county awaiting input from the State Law Enforcement Division regarding whether to pursue a potential criminal case related to the issue. In light of the recent fires and administrative challenges within the fire department, local officials are focused on mitigating risks and improving fire management strategies throughout Beaufort County.
As the drought conditions continue to pose a threat, residents are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity related to outdoor fires. Community members can play an essential role in preventing future incidents by adhering to fire safety guidelines and remaining vigilant.
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Strong Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Upstate South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WSAV: Beaufort County Brush Fires Claim Over 7 Acres
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Live 5 News: Man Displaced by Beaufort County House Fire
- Google Search: Beaufort County fire news
- WITN: Beaufort County Home Destroyed by Afternoon Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Post and Courier: Beaufort County Bluffton Fire
- Google News: Beaufort County fires
- MSN: Beaufort County House Fire Now Considered Suspicious
- Google Scholar: Wildfire Management
- WTOC: Windy Conditions Prompt Several Small Brush Fires Beaufort County
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
