Huge congratulations to Assistant Chief Joey Roberts on being inducted into the South Carolina Firefighters Association Hall of Fame! He was honored during this week’s SC Fire-Rescue Conference opening ceremonies for his many contributions to the state’s fire service and his selfless dedication to advancing the profession. We’re so proud of Chief Joey and all he does for the CFD and our firefighting community! #CharlestonFire #ChsNews @WCBD @ABCnews4 @Live5News @PostAndCourier #aSaferCharleston #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC @scfirefighters

Charleston, SC (April 10, 2026): Shortly after 2:30 PM the Charleston County Emergency Communication Center received multiple calls reporting a fire on the 8th floor of the Holiday Inn Express located at 250 Spring Street. Charleston and James Island Fire Departments, Charleston County EMS, and Charleston PD were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters arrived in less than three minutes from the time of dispatch and reported smoke venting from the top floor. A second alarm was requested, sending additional resources from Charleston, James Island, Saint Andrews, Mt. Pleasant, and Johns Island Fire Departments. Crews quickly located and contained the fire to an area near the HVAC unit. The fire was under control in less than 20 minutes, and the second alarm units were canceled. Members of the Fire Marshal’s Office responded to review the incident. Investigators determined the fire originated from within the HVAC unit serving a room on the 8th floor. The unit was constructed within an enclosure and vented directly to the outside, limiting the fire spread within the hotel. The building was equipped with a fire sprinkler system; however, the fire did not progress beyond the enclosure and did not activate the fire sprinkler system. The cause of the fire is believed to be related to a mechanical failure of the unit. Most of the rooms were rented or reserved for the weekend but the hotel was safely evacuated without any reported injuries. #ChsNews @WCBD @ABCnews4 @Live5News @PostAndCourier #aSaferCharleston #CharlestonFire #CharlestonFirefighters #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC

🚨 Our Community Outreach Team was invited to provide fire safety tips and fire extinguisher training to members of the Johns Island community this week at Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. Thanks for having us! 👨‍🚒 🚒 @ourladyofmercycommunityoutreach #asaferCharleston #joinCFD #CharlestonFirefighters #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC #CharlestonFire

Cainhoy Wildland Fire Contained Without Injury Charleston, SC (March 12, 2026): On March 11, 2026, at 1:21 PM CFD units were dispatched to an area near Seven Sticks Drive for a reported controlled burn that exceeded the intended burn area. CFD Engine 121 was dispatched to the initial call and quickly requested additional resources due to the size of the fire. The fire continued to progress and crossed the initial fire breaks and resources were requested from SC Forestry and drone support from the CFD drone team. As the fire progressed across additional fire breaks, evacuation messaging was coordinated through Berkeley County Emergency Management to alert residents in the area. Evacuation requests were issued to residents along Blind Flight Street, Philip Simmons Middle and Elementary Schools due to concerns with the smoke conditions in the area. The fire was deemed contained at approximately 5:30 PM and the evacuation request was lifted. Fire debris continued to burn within the contained area for several hours and crews monitored the site to address any spot fires. Investigators from SC Forestry and the Charleston Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to review the incident. We are thankful for the collaborative efforts with multiple agencies to the incident. The response involved units from Charleston, North Charleston, and Mt. Pleasant Fire Departments, Berkeley County Emergency Management, Berkeley County EMS, and SC Forestry. Resources included four engines, three brush trucks, three battalion chiefs, three fire marshals, one tender, three bulldozers, and two air tankers. The total burn area is currently estimated at 1,000 acres. No structures were damaged and no injuries have been reported. #ChsNews @WCBD @ABCnews4 @Live5News @PostAndCourier @ForestryCommish #aSaferCharleston #CharlestonFire #CharlestonFirefighters #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC

Charleston Fire Department Awarded International Reaccreditation Charleston, SC (March 10, 2026): The Charleston Fire Department has been awarded reaccreditation and will maintain Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). The process requires demonstration of compliance with the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. Accreditation is a comprehensive assessment and evaluation model for fire and emergency service organizations. The accreditation process evaluates the performance of the agency and helps to determine community risks and fire safety needs. The assessment process identifies strengths and weaknesses, evaluates the services the department provides to the community, creates methods for addressing deficiencies, and encourages professional growth for both the agency and its personnel. Charleston Mayor William Cogswell said, “I’d like to congratulate the Charleston Fire Department on this benchmark accomplishment. Their continued dedication to improving the quality of service provided to our citizens is incredible. We are lucky to have such a dedicated group protecting the city.” “Our team understands that maintaining CFAI accreditation status over the last five years has been an important task,” said Fire Chief Dan Curia. “Achieving reaccreditation status emphasizes our desire to improve the department while providing a high level of service to the community we serve. This would not be possible without the tremendous support of Mayor Cogswell, City Council, and the members of our community.” The accreditation status is awarded on a five-year cycle. The Charleston Fire Department initially achieved accreditation in 2015, with annual reports submitted to the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE) to demonstrate ongoing compliance and progress on identified deficiencies. Every fifth year, the agency must undergo a full assessment, during which an evaluation team of peers from around the country review programs and documents and conduct an on-site visit. According to the Center for Public Safety Excellence, approximately 334 fire departments are currently accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFA) worldwide. Of the approximately 30,000 fire departments in the United States, only 14% of the population is protected by an accredited agency. Additionally, only 125 of those fire departments have the distinction of being an accredited agency and achieving the ISO Class 1 rating. The Charleston Fire Department is one of only four agencies in South Carolina to have earned both distinctions. #ChsNews @WCBD @ABCnews4 @Live5News @PostAndCourier #aSaferCharleston #CharlestonFire #CharlestonFirefighters #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC

Outside Fire on Laurel Island Contained Crews responded to a reported outside fire near Romney Street just before 11:00 PM on 1/28/2026. Firefighters located a fire burning in the area known as Laurel Island, involving grass, brush and debris. Additional units were requested including specialized brush firefighting vehicles from Charleston, Saint Johns, and Mount Pleasant Fire Departments. CFD drone units were deployed to monitor the conditions. The fire affected approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land, primarily consuming dried grass, and did not endanger any structures. Crews remained on scene to contain the fire for several hours, declaring all hot spots extinguished just before 2:00 AM. Initial reports indicating the fire was under the Cooper River Bridge were incorrect. The edge of the fire area was over 3,000 feet from the bridge. Investigators are returning to the area this morning to further assess the origin and cause of the fire. #ChsNews @WCBD @ABCnews4 @Live5News @PostAndCourier #aSaferCharleston #CharlestonFire #CharlestonFirefighters #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC

Morning fire quickly contained Firefighters responded to a reported apartment fire on Estates Blvd. shortly after 6am this morning.  Occupants awoke to the smell of smoke and noted smoke venting from the HVAC system.  The smoke alarms activated and the residents evacuated their home.      Firefighters arrived and quickly located and isolated the fire damage near the HVAC system.  No injuries were reported.    Two adults and five children were displaced.  Management is working to relocate the family and the American Red Cross is assisting.   The Charleston Fire Department would like to remind you:   ·      Test your smoke alarms each month. ·      Hire a licensed HVAC technician to service and inspect your system at least once a year. #chsnews #charlestonfire #asafercharleston #firesafesc

Fire Sprinkler Controls Apartment Blaze The Charleston County Consolidate Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call shortly after midnight reporting an apartment fire, followed by automatic alarm notification, in the 3900 block of William E. Murray Blvd. in West Ashley. Charleston and Saint Andrews Fire Departments, Charleston County EMS and Charleston PD responded to the scene. Emergency personnel arrived in less than five minutes from the time of dispatch to the four-story, multi-family dwelling. Firefighters quickly entered the first-floor apartment where the fire was reported and determined the automatic fire sprinkler system contained the blaze. Crews quickly searched the apartment for any injured parties, checked the building for any fire extension, removed smoke from unit, and controlled the water to the fire sprinkler system. Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office responded to review the incident and determined the fire was the result of unattended cooking. The fire was contained by a single fire sprinkler head located near the kitchen area and the fire and smoke damage was contained to one apartment unit. No injuries reported. The Charleston Fire Department would like to remind residents: • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove. • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, and remain in the home while food is cooking. • Keep combustibles away from the stovetop. Media contact: Michael Julazadeh Deputy Chief | Fire Marshal julazadehm@charleston-sc.gov #aSaferCharleston #CharlestonFire #CharlestonFirefighters #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC #ChsNews @WCBD @ABCnews4 @Live5News @PostAndCourier

It's Fire Prevention Week in SC, and the SC Poison Center is proud to support this mission. This year's theme, "Charge Into Fire Safety" focuses on lithium-ion battery safety at home. @SCStateFire @FireSafeSC

Thank you Fairfield County Council for recognizing @FairfieldCoFire for achieving the @FireSafeSC designation for the sixth straight year!

Join us for a FREE virtual Orientation Briefing, mandatory for maintaining/earning your designation. Pick one: Tomorrow, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. #FireSafeSC Visit: firesafe.sc.gov/docs/Orienta…

Join us in congratulating the Newberry Fire Department for being recognized as a @FireSafeSC Community for 2024! FireSafeSC began awarding communities who meet these criteria in 2019, and the Newberry Fire Department has been recognized every year.

Join our FREE virtual Orientation Briefing tomorrow at 2 p.m. *Mandatory for maintaining/earning designation. Visit: firesafe.sc.gov/docs/Orienta… #FireSafeSC

Thank you @dcobbwsav3 @WSAV for always being on our side & helping our @bftcountysc community be safe! @FireSafeSC @SCStateFire wsav.com/news/local-news/gas…

Fire Chief Daniel Curia Awarded Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Career Fire Chief of the Year Charleston Fire Chief Daniel Curia has been named as the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year. Chief Curia was surprised with the award tonight during the Southeastern Associations conference dinner in Franklin, Tennessee. The Fire Chief of the Year award is bestowed upon a Fire Chief to recognize an outstanding individual whose actions and leadership serve as an example for other chief officers throughout the Southeast. Nominees are evaluated based on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity and contributions to the fire service. Chief Curia was selected to lead the Charleston Fire Department in July of 2018. Prior to his selection, he committed 28 years to the Durham Fire Department in North Carolina, starting as a firefighter and rising to become the Fire Chief. In Charleston, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the Charleston Fire Department, our members, and the community we serve. Chief Curia continuously strives to share his 35 years of fire service knowledge to enhance both the department and the broader fire service community. The Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs is the largest Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) representing more than 2,000 members in 10 states, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Media contact: Michael Julazadeh Deputy Chief julazadehm@charleston-sc.gov #aSaferCharleston #CharlestonFire #CharlestonFirefighters #FireSafeSC #ChsNews @WCBD @ABCnews4 @Live5News @PostAndCourier

@BSFD_Greenville has updated our Fire Safe Community signs at all 4 stations! Proud to be recognized for the 6th year in a row—a sign of our commitment to our community! Thanks to our team, including LT Knapp & FF Miller! #FireSafeCommunity @FireSafeSC #CommunityRiskReduction

We would like to remind our community about the rules and regulations regarding fireworks. City Ordinance Sec. 13-191 prohibits the use, sale, possession, and discharge of any fireworks within the City of Charleston. Smaller items such as sparklers, snap-pops, or similar are not regulated as fireworks materials and are permissible. Fireworks displays must be conducted by a licensed operator with a permit issued by the City of Charleston. We encourage everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a permitted public display. The Charleston Police Department will respond to complaints and illegal fireworks may be confiscated and citations can be issued. Remember, in the event of an emergency; please dial 9-1-1. #aSaferCharleston #CharlestonFire #CharlestonFirefighters #FireIsEveryonesFight #FireSafeSC

Join our FREE virtual Orientation Briefing tomorrow at 10 a.m. *Mandatory for maintaining/earning designation. Visit: firesafe.sc.gov/docs/Orienta… #FireSafeSC

Honored to be recognized at the #SCFFA2025 Conference for earning our 4th consecutive Fire Safe Community designation from @FireSafeSC! We’re proud to stand with 207 SC departments committed to risk reduction & fire prevention.

You have two opportunities this month to join in on a FREE virtual Orientation Briefing. *This briefing is mandatory for a department to maintain/earn its designation. Pick one: Tuesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 at 2 p.m. #FireSafeSC Visit: firesafe.sc.gov/docs/Orienta…