City Officials Address Recent Fires on the Island
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. - On March 10, 2024, Isle of Palms (IOP) Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the 500 block of Ocean Blvd by Charleston County Dispatch at approximately 2:48 p.m. Upon arrival, at approximately 2:53 p.m., the first fire apparatus noted a three-story elevated home that was heavily involved in a wind-driven fire on all three levels of the home. All occupants were able to safely exit the home before IOP Fire and Rescue’s arrival.
There were no injuries reported at the incident scene. A total of 23 firefighters from IOP Fire and Rescue, the Mount Pleasant Fire Department and Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue worked to contain the fire to the home and extinguished fire that was impinging on the exterior vinyl siding of a neighboring residence less than 10 feet away. The wind-driven fire was under control within 30 minutes.
The cause of the fire went under investigation as standard practice. The cause and origin are listed as undetermined by the IOP fire marshal, with the assistance of the Fire Marshal Division from the Town of Mount Pleasant.
On March 11, 2024, IOP Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the Wild Dunes community around 7:30 p.m. to 7000 Palmetto Drive for a fire at a multifamily property with two apartment units. Upon arrival, the first fire apparatus noted heavy smoke and upon further investigation, confirmed fire on the interior and exterior of the building. Firefighters evacuated and extinguished fire in both apartments. There were no injuries reported. The cause of this fire is still under investigation by the IOP fire marshal.
City of Charleston Fire Department, Charleston County Emergency Medical Services, Charleston County Rescue and the Isle of Palms Police Department provided additional staffing and assistance at the scene of both fires, along with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department and Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue. Wild Dunes Resort security personnel and the Wild Dunes Community Association provided assistance with the March 11 fire. City leaders thank these agencies for their help and swift response. Additionally, IOP Fire and Rescue thanks the island’s short-term rental community for helping those displaced due to fires.
City officials encourage all residents to have operating smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher and to practice exit drills in the home to prepare for an emergency. Citizens can request additional fire safety information from IOP Fire and Rescue staff by texting “Hello” to (877) 607- 6467 or calling the department at (843) 886-4410.
Residential and commercial fire sprinklers are also recommended to improve fire safety. In 2023, IOP Fire and Rescue and the IOP Water and Sewer Commission announced a partnership to facilitate the installation of cost-effective residential fire sprinklers.
“We are thankful to have a dedicated team and the support of our partners,” said IOP Fire Chief Craig Oliverius. “We also emphasize the importance of preventive measures to lower the risk of fire emergencies. Fires spread rapidly and sprinklers give people more time to escape while first responders are in transit. IOP Fire and Rescue encourages and supports the use of residential and commercial fire sprinklers to help save lives and property.”