Fire severely damages home; smoke inhalation kills pet

NORTH AUGUSTA -- A noontime fire resulted in heavy fire damage to the home of Dave and Frances Redmond on Monday and the death of one family pet.

The fire caused severe damage to a second floor bathroom and bedroom, with serious heat damage to the second floor and associated firefighting water damage to the downstairs, said Capt. Charles Williams with North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Firefighters were able to rescue two dogs, but the family cat died of smoke inhalation at the scene, added Capt. Billy Luckey, who credited the quick response of local departments with containing the fire and preventing its engulfing the entire home.

The Redmonds were not at home when the fire started.

A neighbor reported hearing what she thought was something very heavy falling in her home across the street. By the time she looked outside her home for a possible cause, she heard the sirens on the way.

Firefighters responded quickly, with the first arriving at 12:14 p.m. following a 12:12 call.

Responding to the fire alarm were Merriwether - which actually arrived at the fire first - Belvedere, Clearwater, Langley and Bath fire departments, along with North Augusta Public Safety. Also responding were firefighters from the GVW Fire Department, who then moved to cover the Belvedere department while they were at the scene.

The home is actually in the Belvedere Fire District; however, most homes in Windtree also pay to be a part of the NADPS coverage, explained one NADPS firefighter.

"We all get together," said Lt. Robbie Bell of the mutual response by the local departments. "We work as a team."