Children rescued from burning home where arson is suspected, SC official says
Three children were rescued from a burning South Carolina home Monday night where they suffered severe injuries from a fire that is believed to have been set intentionally, according to the Columbia Police Department.
At about 9:30 p.m., crews responded to a Floran Street home and saw smoke coming from the building, fire department officials said Tuesday in a news release. That’s in a part of Columbia between North Main Street and S.C. 277.
Firefighters forced their way inside the home through the front door and immediately encountered heavy smoke and rapidly deteriorating interior conditions, according to the release. The fire was located in the front of the home, officials said.
During a search of the home, firefighters located three children in, and near, several bedrooms, officials said. The children were brought outside, provided immediate medical care for severe burn injuries, and taken to a local hospital by Richland County EMS, according to the release.
From there they were taken to the JMS Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, for further treatment, officials said. Further information on their conditions was not available, and there was no word if any of the injuries are considered to be life-threatening.
While the children were getting rescued, the fire was brought under control, according to the release.
No other injuries were reported in the incident where more 30 firefighters responded, officials said.
The Columbia Police Department is investigating the fire as a criminal matter for suspected arson and child endangerment.
Police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify the children’s caregivers, and locate family members, according to the release. The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the Richland County Fire Marshal and SLED as investigators continue processing evidence, conducting interviews and pursuing leads, officials said
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 803-545-3525, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit tips online.
In the case of an emergency, always call 911.
“An extremely difficult call last night,” officials said in the release. “Calls like this are incredibly tough, but they remind us exactly why we do this job.”
Units that responded to the house fire included Engine 1, Rescue 1, Ladder 7, Engine 13, Engine 12, Ladder 14, Engine 11, Rehab 1, as well as battalion chiefs and command staff, according to the release.
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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Children rescued from burning home where arson is suspected, SC official says."
