Fripp Island, South Carolina, August 17, 2025
News Summary
A significant fire on Fripp Island has destroyed three two-story homes and caused damage to nearby properties. The fire, controlled by afternoon, is under investigation by SLED. Eyewitnesses report intense flames that led to the quick spread of the blaze. Multiple fire departments responded, but no injuries have been reported. Bonito Drive remains closed as officials assess the total damage and risk of flare-ups.
Fripp Island Fire Devastates Three Homes, Investigation Underway
A significant fire on Fripp Island has resulted in the destruction of three side-by-side two-story homes and caused damage to additional properties. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, August 16, 2025, has prompted an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The fire was brought under control by 3 p.m., but fire crews continued to work on the scene well into the afternoon to ensure all hotspots were fully extinguished. Although details about the cause of the fire have yet to be confirmed, SLED officials, including an agent from the Arson Unit, are investigating. A SLED representative was confirmed to be en route to the scene around 4:45 p.m. following the incident.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Christine Denney, a maintenance company owner, arrived at the scene at approximately 10:46 a.m. and observed three houses engulfed in flames. By that time, two of the homes had already collapsed. The two-story structures featured parking underneath, and the intensity of the flames resulted in the quick spread of the fire.
Fire crews from multiple departments, including Fripp Fire, Burton Fire, Lady’s Island-St. Helena, and Beaufort-Port Royal Fire departments, responded to the blaze. Scott Harris from the Lady’s Island-St. Helena Fire Department confirmed that three homes were definitively involved; however, the total extent of the damage has not yet been fully assessed. Residents in the vicinity took to social media platforms to share updates and visuals of the unfolding situation, with some reporting that as many as four houses were on fire at one point.
As of mid-afternoon, there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities associated with the incident. Bonito Drive has been closed until further notice as the investigation proceeds. Residents have been informed that house numbers 716, 718, and 720 were completely destroyed, while house number 722 was on fire but reportedly salvageable.
The fire struck a row of houses located within a private, gated community about 20 miles east of Beaufort, situated along the Atlantic coast. Fire crews are expected to remain on-site until the area is fully secured and the situation is resolved.
Key Details of the Fire Incident
- Date of Incident: August 16, 2025
- Location: Fripp Island, South Carolina
- Number of Homes Destroyed: 3
- Fire Chief: Joshua Horton
- Involved Fire Departments: Fripp, Burton, Lady’s Island-St. Helena, Beaufort-Port Royal
- Investigation by: SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division)
- Closure Area: Bonito Drive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the fire on Fripp Island?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by SLED’s Arson Unit. No details have been released yet.
Were there any injuries reported from the fire?
As of mid-afternoon on the day of the incident, there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.
What is being done to investigate the incident?
SLED has dispatched an agent to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire, and multiple fire departments were involved in extinguishing the blaze.
Which homes were affected by the fire?
The fire destroyed homes numbered 716, 718, and 720, while house 722 was on fire but reported to be salvageable.
Is Bonito Drive closed to the public?
Yes, Bonito Drive has been closed until further notice due to the ongoing investigation into the fire incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Prepares for Fourth of July Celebrations
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Major Fire on Fripp Island
- Wikipedia: Fripp Island
- Island Packet: Fripp Island Fire
- Google Search: Fripp Island Fire
- WSAV: Breaking Major Fire on Fripp Island
- Google Scholar: Fripp Island Fire
- Times Now News: Fripp Island Fire Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fripp Island
- WTOC Video Coverage of Fripp Island Fire
- Google News: Fripp Island
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.
