Firefighter hurt as crews battle fires at homes in Columbia area, officials say
A firefighter was injured and multiple people lost their homes Sunday because of separate structure fires in the Midlands, South Carolina officials said.
The first of two significant fires happened at about noon in Columbia, according to officials.
Firefighters responded to The Park Apartments at 1601 Longcreek Road, the Columbia Fire Department said. That’s near Exit 64 on I-20, which is the junction with Broad River Road.
It’s believed that the fire started outside the 18-unit building and spread into the attic space, according to the Columbia Fire Department.
A firefighter who was managing the rehabilitation truck was injured and taken to an area hospital, the Columbia Fire Department said. While the firefighter is expected to be “OK,” officials said the fire department is investigating details surrounding the injury to determine what exactly happened.
No other injuries were reported, but at least 13 tenants were left displaced by the fire, officials said.
There was no word about the cause of the fire, but it is being investigated by the Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Members of Dutch Fork Fire & Rescue also responded to the blaze at the apartment complex. Crews from that group also worked to extinguish another fire later in the day in Lexington.
Just before 5 p.m., Dutch Fork Fire & Rescue crews responded to a house fire on Libby Lane, officials said. That’s near Lake Murray, about 10 miles from the apartment complex fire.
When they arrived, crews found a garage fire with heavy smoke and rapidly changing conditions, Dutch Fork officials said. Fire spread quickly into the home and to the exterior deck, according to officials.
Crews initiated an aggressive attack and were able to bring the fire under control, officials said.
No injuries were reported, and there was no word about the extent of the damage to the home, and if it is still habitable or considered a total loss.
Information about the cause of the second fire was not available, and there was no word if it is under investigation.
Officials did not say if foul play was suspected in either of the Sunday afternoon fires.
“We are incredibly thankful for the dedication of our volunteers, whose commitment ensured Engine 20 was fully staffed and ready to respond,” Dutch Fork officials said on social media. “Their efforts, alongside our career personnel on Rescue 2, continue to make a difference in protecting our community.”
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This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 9:13 AM with the headline "Firefighter hurt as crews battle fires at homes in Columbia area, officials say."
