Florence County Fire Rescue

05/23/2026

At approximately 3:25 p.m. today, units were dispatched to the 3400 block of East Palmetto Street at the Circle K in reference to three kittens reportedly trapped inside the engine compartment of a vehicle.

Upon arrival, firefighters located the kittens within the vehicle’s front bumper and engine compartment area. Senior Firefighter Boyter and Firefighter Williamson carefully worked to safely remove all three kittens without injury.

Once the rescue was completed, the kittens were reunited with the vehicle’s driver unharmed.

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

Florence County Fire Rescue personnel responded to multiple incidents across Florence County on Thursday evening.

At approximately 8:00 PM, Engine 221 and Brush 215 were dispatched to the 1700 block of West Lucas Street for the report of a fire behind the Wendy’s restaurant. Units arrived on scene and discovered a large fire associated with a homeless encampment. Initial reports indicated there may have been an explosion related to the fire. Firefighters quickly initiated suppression operations and were able to contain the fire to the area of origin.

At approximately 8:07 PM, Engine 841 and Battalion 3 were dispatched to Interstate 95 northbound near the 173-mile marker for the report of a motor vehicle collision. Units arrived on scene and located a multi-vehicle collision with one individual heavily trapped inside a vehicle. Firefighters worked to extricate the patient while Florence County Emergency Medical Services provided medical care. Two pediatric patients and one adult patient were transported to an area hospital for treatment for serious injuries. Significant traffic delays were reported in the area as a result of the collision.

At approximately 8:43 PM, Engine 411 was dispatched to the 100 block of E. Smith Street for the report of a motor vehicle collision. Units arrived on scene and found E. Smith Street partially blocked due to the collision. Firefighters assisted with scene safety and traffic control. There were also reports of individuals being disorderly at the scene, and law enforcement responded to address the situation.

At approximately 8:48 PM, Engine 751 and Brush 715 were dispatched to the 1000 block of Poor Farm Road in the Effingham area for the report of a woods fire. Units arrived on scene and located a fire in an open wooded area. Firefighters initiated containment operations, which remain ongoing.

At approximately 8:55 PM, Engine 676 and Brush 655 were dispatched to the 1700 block of Hyman Road in the Pamplico area for the report of a woods fire. Units arrived on scene and found a small roadside fire, which was quickly extinguished by responding personnel.

More information about the ongoing incident will be released as soon as he comes available. 

05/21/2026

At approximately 10:35 PM, Engine 211 was dispatched to the intersection of US Highway 76 West and Bancroft Road following reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision.

Units arrived on scene and located one pedestrian suffering from serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Personnel from Florence County Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly thereafter and assumed patient care before transporting the patient to an area hospital for further treatment.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene due to reports of disorderly individuals in the area. Firefighters assisted with traffic control and scene safety operations while emergency personnel worked on scene.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol responded and is investigating the cause of the collision.

05/21/2026

At approximately 8:30 p.m., units were dispatched to Interstate 95 near the 148 southbound mile marker for the report of a multi-vehicle collision involving an 18-wheeler. Initial reports indicated a five-vehicle collision with one tractor-trailer involved.

Units arrived on scene and confirmed a five-vehicle collision involving an 18-wheeler, with one lane of Interstate 95 southbound blocked as a result of the incident. Personnel from the Florence County Fire Rescue assisted the Timmonsville Rescue Squad with the assessment and treatment of five patients who sustained minor injuries on scene.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol also responded and is investigating the cause of the collision.

05/20/2026

At approximately 6:25 a.m., Florence County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the 1200 block of South Firetower Road.

Firefighters from Stations 82, 84, and 74 responded with three engines and two tankers. Upon arrival, crews found smoke and fire coming from the residence and quickly began fire attack. The fire was brought under control, preventing further damage to the home.

Florence County Emergency Medical Services evaluated occupants at the scene; however, no patients required transport to a medical facility.

Four adults and two children were displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested to assist the family with temporary housing and other immediate needs.

Duke Energy was requested to respond and secure power to the residence.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

05/19/2026

At approximately 5:50 PM, Engine 221 and Rescue 213 were dispatched to the intersection of Hoffmeyer Road and Dunbarton Drive in reference to a motor vehicle collision.

Units arrived on scene to find a two-vehicle collision involving two occupants who required evaluation and treatment by Florence County Emergency Medical Services. Firefighters assisted EMS personnel with patient care, provided traffic control, and remained on scene to assist with roadway cleanup until the arrival of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, which is conducting the investigation into the collision.

As a result of the collision, both eastbound lanes of Hoffmeyer Road at the intersection were blocked. Motorists should expect continued delays until debris is cleared and the disabled vehicles are removed from the roadway.

05/18/2026

At approximately 10:10am, Engine 911, Engine 931 and Rescue 913, were dispatched to the intersection of Turbeville Highway and Park Avenue in the Olanta area for the report of a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Units arrived on scene and confirmed a collision involving two vehicles with injuries reported. There was no entrapment. Firefighters assisted with scene stabilization, patient care, and traffic control while awaiting additional resources. Personnel from the South Carolina Highway Patrol also responded to investigate the collision.

Both eastbound lanes of Turbeville Highway remained shut down in the area of the collision for the duration of the investigation and cleanup.

05/17/2026

Yesterday, Florence County Fire Rescue participated in the “Storm Ready Expo,” which was held at the Florence County Complex on N. Irby Street in Florence. Florence County Fire Rescue, along with partner agencies including the Florence Police Department, Florence Fire Department, and Florence County Emergency Medical Services, displayed apparatus, emergency response vehicles, and specialized equipment that would be utilized during the response to natural disasters such as hurricanes, severe storms, and flooding events. The expo provided residents with an opportunity to learn more about emergency preparedness and the coordinated response efforts conducted by local public safety agencies during times of crisis.

With hurricane season quickly approaching, Florence County Fire Rescue encourages all residents to begin preparing now before a storm threatens our area. Citizens should develop an emergency plan, assemble disaster supply kits, and stay informed of weather conditions throughout hurricane season. Emergency supply kits should include bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, important documents, and supplies for pets and family members with special needs. Residents are also encouraged to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts and warnings, including weather radios and mobile notification systems.

Community preparedness plays a critical role in protecting lives and property during emergencies, and taking proactive steps now can make a significant difference when severe weather impacts our community.