Local man killed in yard fire
An 82-year-old man who set fire to his lawn late Tuesday morning to maintain his yard burned to death after the fire got away from him and caught his clothing on fire, officials said.
William C. Hicks Sr., of Avis Street, in Graniteville was pronounced dead shortly before noon, said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.
Investigators believe the fire ignited his clothing and then burned him severely.
Witnesses told the town's fire chief, Phil Napier, that Hicks tried to get help and ran to the front porch of his home. He pounded on the front door to get his wife's attention.
"But there was really nothing she could do," Napier said. "He then fell onto the porch."
She was able to call 911, but the 82-year-old man was badly burned and discovered unresponsive by emergency workers, said Carlton.
Hicks died from a cardiac arrhythmia caused by second and third degree burns over 95 percent of his body, Carlton added.
Neighbors spoke highly of Hicks, saying he was quick to wave and always had a friendly smile.
Napier, who also runs a hardware business in downtown Graniteville, said Hicks came into the store almost every day.
"I don't know if he fell or if the fire just jumped, but this is just so sad" he said. "We all have to be so very careful of fire."
Winds were gusty part of Tuesday, but the S.C. Forestry Commission had not issued any burn restrictions. SClBIt is not illegal to burn yard debris in Graniteville except when prohibited by forestry officials.
Outdoor burning is banned in the City of Aiken at all times.
The fire caused damage to the lawn, his home, and his neighbors lawn, officials said.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.