Working smoke alarms may have prevented this tragedy.
The Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call at 4:21 a.m. On July 31st at 4:21 a.m. the 9-1-1 center received reports that a mobile home was on fire on Kraft Ave. There were also reports that there were people inside the home.
First arriving firefighters reported a mobile home fully involved in fire. Bystanders on scene reported that there were people inside the home. Firefighters started an aggressive fire attack and were able to search the home where two victims were found. Firefighters removed them from the home and transferred them to Charleston County EMS on scene. Charleston County EMS determined that the two victims had no pulses and could not be resuscitated. The victims were a 61-year-old and an 8-year-old. Charleston County now leads the state in fire fatalities for 2021.
The home did not have smoke alarms. The victim’s family wants to share with the community the importance of having smoke alarms in your home. “Half of all home fire deaths happen at night, when people are sleeping,” says Chief Bulanow. “Smoke alarms can make the difference between life and death.” Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom and outside all sleeping areas. Smoke alarms over 10 years old should be replaced. Make sure that everyone in your home knows how to get outside and where to meet if the smoke alarm sounds.
If you rent your home, it is the property manager’s responsibility for supplying and installing smoke alarms (SC Code of Laws, Title 5, Chapter 25, Building Codes and Fire Prevention, Article 11). The renter should test their smoke alarms and report any smoke alarms that don’t work to the property manager to have them repaired or replaced.
North Charleston Fire Department has a free smoke alarm program for homeowners. Call 843-740-2616 to schedule or visit North Charleston Fire Department’s website for more information.