A Lugoff man was the victim of a house fire after a flame he started to burn yard debris got out of control.

The Lugoff Fire Department was dispatched to Bobby Finch’s home on Cook Road,Lugoff around noon on Jan. 28. Fire units arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke and some fire coming out of the windows of a single-wide mobile home. Fire was also racing across the back yard towards another structure. Firefighters were able to enter the home from the front door and quickly contain the fire. Firefighters were also able to stop the spread of the fire from the master bedroom and center living room area, allowing Finch to recover some belongings.

Ultimately, $9500 worth of damages were caused from the fire.

Other firefighters were able to attack the fire in the yard and prevent it from involving other structures that were threatened. There were no injuries in the fire and Finch was home at the time of the blaze.

Firefighters and equipment from the Blaney, Doby’s Mill, and Pine Grove Fire Departments also responded to the scene to provide assistance.

The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist Finch with living arrangements.

“This is a great example of how successful our fire departments can be when we all work together and combine our limited resources to help the community. I appreciate all the support and assistance our neighboring fire departments provide and we are fortunate to have this kind of partnership. Everyone did an outstanding job of saving property and minimizing the damage done by this fire,” Lugoff Fire Chief Dennis Ray said.

The American Red Cross provided Finch with three nights stay in a hotel as well as a food and clothing allowance to get him through the disaster.

The cause of the fire was a control burn of yard debris close to the home that got out of control from increased winds, Ray said. The SC Forestry Commission responded to the call and is investigating the incident. All fire personnel were clear of the scene around 1:30 p.m..

As wildfire season begins, Ray offers these fire safety tips to help keep Kershaw County residents safe.

1.    Call the SC Forestry Commission BEFORE outdoor burning at
1-800-705-8609; it is state law.

2.    Stay with the fire until it is completely safe and keep water close by

3.    Smoke from a fire must not interfere with highway travel or interfere with fellow landowners and neighbors-think about where your smoke will go

4.    It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris that originated in the owner’s yard

5.    Respect the weather-do not burn unless the weather conditions allow it

6.    Never leave a fire unattended for any length of time

7.    If you ever grow concerned about the fire, put it out and make certain it is out
If a fire escapes, you will be liable for property damages and possibly fined