Passing freight train sparks woods fire near Lugoff

A preliminary investigation by the SC Forestry Commission believes a passing freight train probably sparked the woods fire that burned about 30 acres off US 1 in Lugoff on Saturday, Lugoff fire chief Dennis Ray said in a news release.

Although the woods fire was extinguished within five hours, smoke will linger for several days, Ray warned.

Fire crews were first called to the scene behind the Pepperidge subdivision around 2:15 p.m. Because the heat and wind charged blaze was located so close to homes, crews from several Kershaw County fire departments were dispatched. The most vulnerable homes were identified, Ray said, and fire-fighting resources were deployed.

The fire was put out and crews left the scene by 7:30 p.m. but Lugoff fire crews will keep an eye on the area for several days to make sure there is no flare up.