Several people rescued as fire guts apartment building in Columbia, officials say
Several people were rescued Wednesday night as a fire tore through an apartment building, the Columbia Fire Department said.
The fire happened at Whispering Pines Apartments, at 400 Greenlawn Drive, according to the fire department. That’s in Richland County, in the area between Garners Ferry Road and Interstate 77.
At about 6:45 p.m., firefighters responded to a burning building at the complex, the fire department said. The first responders at the scene found heavy fire and smoke coming from one of the buildings, according to the fire department.
The fire department said it soon had the flames under control, and after 9 p.m. reported the blaze had been put out.
Firefighters rescued three people from the building, the fire department said. Two tenants were taken to an area hospital by Richland County EMS, while one was treated on scene and released, according to the fire department.
Further information on their conditions was not available. No other injuries were reported.
There are eight units to the apartment building and all were damaged, the fire department said. A dozen people were displaced by the fire, according to the fire department.
Information about the extent of the damages, and if the building was considered a total loss, was not available.
There was no word on where the fire originated, or the cause of the fire, but it is under investigation. Officials did not say if foul play was suspected.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published April 6, 2023 at 7:48 AM.
