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Blaze burns more than 220 acres
7/3/2009 12:39 AM   5 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

A fire that ignited about 1 p.m. Thursday burned across more than 220 acres, gobbling up pine trees as it raced across rural Couchton, at times coming dangerously close to a number of homes and forcing more than a dozen residents out of their residences.

Both state and federal forestry crews geared up to help local firefighters battle the blaze and help determine its cause. Although investigators do not believe the fire near Cooks Bridge and Snipes Pond roads was intentionally lit, arson has not been ruled out as a cause.

Lt. Clay Adams said residents living in about 15 homes nearby were temporarily evacuated while firefighters worked to control the blaze.

Crews were able to keep the flames from burning any homes; however, the winds propelled the fire that fed on the thick, dry brush and undergrowth and at times threatened the properties.

The fire kicked up heavy white smoke. At times, the white plumes turned jet black as the flames churned up the heavy fuel load.

Fire officials said the weather conditions were favorable for brush fires.

Several fires were reported throughout the state, according to state forestry.

Sgt. Dave Myers, a sheriff's office spokesperson, said fire officials continued to call for manpower throughout the day and didn't start sending people home until after 7 p.m.

Firefighters will keep a close eye on the area for several days, hoping to prevent a subsequent flareup.

The same conditions that enabled the fire to rage for hours Thursday have firefighters uneasy about Fourth of July celebrations.

Those celebrating with fireworks and outdoor grills are asked to keep water nearby.

Families are encouraged to leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a planned event.

In addition to state and federal forestry crews, more than 50 firefighters from Aiken Public Safety, Couchton, Center, New Holland and Wagener fire departments helped battle the fire Thursday.

Aiken County emergency crews and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office assisted crews.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.


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  5 comment(s) on this story

Geography :  7/3/2009

Don't forget Foxtown in the Gooseneck vicinity.

Geography :  7/3/2009

If anything, this fire was closer to the new New Holland station at Rocky Springs. But, it ain't about which fire district the fire was in - and, yes, kudos do go out to all those unselfish individuals who volunteer to help keep us safe. This particular comment was about how the true identities of many of the rural communities have been ignored to make them more "real estate friendly." I guarantee you that the little community that was evacuated right up the road from the fire on Cook's Bridge has a name of its own, similar to Smithville on SC 39 between New Holland and Monetta.

Fire :  7/3/2009

I do not understand why Aiken County can not come up with the money to support a fireworks show. Most people can't afford fireworks. Aiken has spent money on Richland ave which is a poor job. Cars are throwing rocks from their tires and hitting windshields of the cars behind them. Such a waste of money. What about Windsor roads/ Someone from the county should travel Windsor rd or Oak Ridge Club. Our money is paying men to scrape these two roads weekly and seems to me they could do SOMETHING before our vehicles fall apart. How about the man that was hit while trying to ride his lawnmower to cut grass on windsor rd/ The vehicle behind him probably could not see him due to the dust on the winshield. Come on Aiken County Department of Hwys. We are in the county too.

:  7/3/2009

The Couchton Fire District is a rather large district, if you would bother to look. We all need to do more to support our local fire stations and to educate ourselves on where they are and how much they do for our community!!!!!!!!!

Geography :  7/3/2009

Rural Couchton? Cooks Bridge Road is no where near Couchton! Oh, I get it ... we're using the same horse property marketing map that says that the Bethcar Community in Wagener is now East Aiken.

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