Contained Brush Fire To Continue Burning For Days

Expect some smoke in the Goose Creek area for a few days. Firefighters from four different departments contained an afternoon brush fire Thursday near the Cobblestone Village apartments. But the 10-15 acres are expected to keep burning for a few days.

The Goose Creek Fire Department was notified of smoke behind the apartments at about 3 p.m., says Assistant Fire Chief Norm Cutshall. He was one of the first on the scene. "The fire was small when we arrived here,” Cutshall said. “It got into these pine trees and ran like a freight train … it was a ball of fire.”

Cobblestone Village resident Everett Jenkins could see the flames and felt the heat, but the fire stayed a safe distance from the new neighborhood and adjacent apartment complex. Several lots near the treeline have been cleared, but are  still undeveloped. “I’m just glad there’s dirt between me and the trees,” Jenkins said.

Thirty-five firefighters were at the scene, with three fire engines and three brush trucks, including aid from departments in Pine Ridge, Whitesville, and Joint Base Charleston , as well as the S.C. Forestry Commission.

The fire was completely contained by 6 p.m. Cutshall said firefighters will monitor the site overnight to make sure what's left of the blaze stays inside the fire line, but only as a precaution.

Cutshall said the wind and the dry conditions in the county encouraged the flames. “It seems like, in Goose Creek, we’re never getting the rain,” he said.

A cause of the fire was still unknown, but Cutshall said its a reminder to be cautious in this unusually dry season. “It’s time to put the fireworks away until New Years,” he said. He also warned that if you see smoke in brush, quickly get a water hose and call the fire department.