By Javon L. Harris
The State
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — A South Carolina fire station that caught on fire was significantly damaged along with one its fire trucks following an electrical shortage, according to officials in Dorchester County.
The blaze began at Ridgeville Fire Station 8 at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, prompting firefighters with Dorchester County Fire Rescue to respond, according to a news release. The fire was caused by an electrical shortage in the station’s brush truck, which is used to fight wildfires, the release said.
Besides one firefighter, who was treated for smoke inhalation, no other injuries were reported, according to the release.
While the fire didn’t damage the station’s primary engine and tanker, the brush truck was a total loss, according to the release. In addition, the station’s building was severely damaged and temporarily closed. Structural engineers will determine when the station can resume operations, the release said.
In the meantime, fire personnel at Station 8 will operate six miles away at the Givhans Fire Station 12, according to the release. Other firefighters with the Jedburg Fire Station 10 will help to cover portions of Ridgeville as needed, the release said.
The station fire is not expected to impact insurance premiums for area residents based on the community’s ISO ratings, which determine a fire department’s readiness, according to the release.
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