JULY 24, 2009

Corinth firefighters responded to 2 brush fires, the first was located in the 400 block of Round Tree Rd when a control burn from last weekend ignited a pasture on fire. the fire was quickly contained with 1 brush truck and tanker with 8 firefighters. The second fire was found on Brick House Rd near the Laural Wood subdivision. Deputy Chief Bowers drove up on the fire and notified Cherokee County to send Corinth and Draytonville fire departments and to request dozers from SC Forestry. Approx 20 firefighters used 3 brush trucks, 2 tankers, 1 rescue, 1 pumper/tanker, and 3 bull dozers to contain the fire in heavy brush and pine thicket. Firefighters were on scene for approx 4 hours, the fire was contained to approx 5 acres. The cause is unknown at this time but a neighbor reported seeing a older model pickup truck leaveing the pasture prior to the fire.

Apparatus on scene:

Corinth FD: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Rescue 51, Brush 51 and 52

Draytonville FD: Tanker 131, Brush 131, Squad 132(rehab)

SC Forestry: 2 Dozers from Cherokee County and 1 from Union

6/16/2009

Corinth firefighters assisted Gaffney City at a working fire in a downtown commercial fire. Just before midnite on 6-15-09 Gaffney firefighters were dispatched for a reported bussiness fire at the SCO-MAR Textiles on Robinson st, Capt Grigg arrived to find 2 tractor trailers fully involved on the "B" side of the structure and nothing visible in the building. Engine 141 laid a 5" LDH into the scene and supplied Engine 151 that was attacking the fire. A short time later, Corinth firefighters were requested for manpower to the scene. Engine 52 and Rescue 51 responded and were staged about 1 half block south of the scene on Frederick St. While firefighters were extinguishing the fires in the trailers smoke was seen coming from the eves of the building. Engine 52 was then assigned the "A" side on Robinson st and to catch the hydrant at the corner of Cherry and Robinson st. Deputy chief's Bowers and Easler were on the "B" side loading dock and forced entryby cutting the steel roll-up door and pedestrian door to gain access to the rear warehouse area, as the hole was cut thru the door smoke conditions rapid chaged and the interior was scanned from the opening with the Thermal imager and 5-6 different fires were seen inside the warehouse with fire already going up the "A" side to the ceiling and rolling towards the "C" side. A akron quick attack monitor was placed inservice thru the doors that were cut on the "B" side as well as 2- 1.75" lines with no effect on slowing the fire. Ladder 101 went up on the "C/D" corner and attempted to ventbut the roof was already being compromised. Engine 52 placed a ground monitor in the alley on the "D" side and put it's deck gun into operation. 2 more 1.75" lines were then pulled and used on the "A" side. A 3" line was then put together off of Engine 151 and placed in service near the "A/B" corner, and Grassy Pond Engine 31 laid in supply line from the corner of Johnson and Frederick to Ladder 101 that  put it's monitors in operation thru the roof. Blackburg Engine 91 laid in from the corner of Beech and Robinson to the "A/B" corner and put it's deck gun into operation. Rescue 51 and Squad 91  staged in a vacant lot below the "B" side and set up for staging and Rehab. Deputy Chief Easler was assigned staging and Deputy Chief Bowers was the "B" side officer. Due to the construction and the fire load inside the building, (large bales of cloth) a county track loader was brought in to provide access into the building by knocking down portions of walls. Firefighters eventually cleared the scene around 3 pm on the 16th. Gaffney PD, SLED, and ATF are investigating the fire.The Building's owner was arrested for possession  of illegal gaming devices and then a few days later a former employee has now been charged with starting the fire in both the trailers and in the building. 1 firefighter had a small laceration to the hand but no other injuries were reported.

Apparatus on scene:
Gaffney Engines 141,151 Ladder 101 and Squad 101
Corinth Engine 52 and Rescue 51
Grassy Pond Engine 32 and Squad 31
Blacksburg Engine 91 and Squad 91
UCMC Medic 1,2,10
Draytonville, Macedonia, Goucher, Cherokee Creek and CKC Fire Departments provided coverage for units operating on scene

6/4/2009

Corinth firefighters were called in to assist Gaffney City FD with a working fire in a large 2 story residence. Gaffney units arrived on scene to find heavy fire conditions on the first floor with fire rapidly extending to the second division. Ladder 101 laid 400' of 5" from the corner of Elm st and Magnolia into the scene, and Engine 141 was told to lay in from Railroad Ave approx 1000' of 5" supply due to fire conditions and exposures. 4- 1.75" lines and 1- 2.5" line were placed in service, an attempt was made at a interior attack but crews were pushed back out due to the rapid fire growth, the entire first floor flashed just seconds after the crew pulled back. A defensive attack was then started and when the fire was knocked down crews again made an attempt to go interior. Most fire on the first floor had been knocked while a second crew was working the second division when 2 floors gave way from division 2 and crews were again ordered out of the building. Extensive overhaul was required and the fire eventually burned thru the roof in several places before finaly being put out. Corinth firefighters were requested to the scene with manpower and a service truck for lights and a cascade and then another alarm was put in for Engine 52 to respond to the scene for RIT. Units were on scene for about 3.5 hours. Grassy Pond Covered Gaffney Headquarters with a Engine.

Apparatus on scene:
Gaffney : L-101, E-141 and 151, Sq-101
Corinth : Rescue 51 and Engine 52 with  15 Personel
UCMC EMS Medic 2
GPD

5/01/2009

Corinth firefighters were called to the scene of a structure fire in the 200 block of 13th street to assist Gaffney FD. Chief Ellis (2400) had command of the room and contents fire in a single wide mobile home and requested Corinth and Grassy Pond fire departments to assist the 3 Gaffney City stations with Engine's, Tankers, and manpower. Upstate Carolina Medical Center was called to stand-by and to assist with rehab, and Cherokee County SO was called to assist with traffic control. No injuries were reported and units cleared in about 1 hour.

Apparatus on scene:

Gaffney FD: Engines 101,151,141, Squad 101, 2400
Corinth FD: Engine 52 and Tanker 51
Grassy Pond FD: Engine 32, Tankers 31 and 32, Squad 31

4/25/09

Corinth firefighters responded to a reported working structure fire on Drayton Trail in the Draytonville community. Squad 52 was clearing from  a medical call approx 2 miles away when the call for a structure fire came in, Squad 52 arrived on scene to find a single wide mobile home about 50% involved with fire thru the roof in the center of the home, firefighters pulled a 1.75" preconnect from the skid unit and hit a defensive attack till the first engine arrived on scene, the 250 gallons with 5 gallons of class A foam was enough to knock down the bulk of the fire. Gaffney Engine 151 arrived and 2- 1.75" lines were pulled and crews made entry and finished extinguishing the fire, with water being supplied by tankers. Nobody was home at the time of the fire and command was unable to make contact with any family or the occupants. The fire appeared to have started in the area of a couch in the living room of the residence.

Apparatus on scene:

Draytonville FD: Engine 131, Tankers 131 and 132, Squad 131
Corinth FD: Engines 52 and 53, Tanker 51, Rescue 51, and 14 firefighters
Gaffney FD: Engine 151

4/24/2009

4/11/2009

Starting the day off just after 7:00am Corinth firefighters assisted Gaffney City at the scene of a working structure fire at the intersection of Pine st and East Fairview ave in the city. Firefighters worked for about 3 hours to contain the fire in a balloon framed 2 story home that has had many renovations over the years. CFD was assigned the second division opening up walls and ceilings when conditions quickly deteriorated and command ordered everyone out. 2 more ventilation holes were cut and multiple exterior lines slowed the fire down again and command sent the crew back up to the second floor to finsh off the fire.

Apparatus on scene:

Gaffney Engines 101,141,151

Corinth Engine 53 and Squad 51 with 9 firefighters

The second call for the day came in around 5:00pm for an electrical fire in a residence on Elbethel Rd. Corinth units were canceled enroute per Asbury command.

Apparatus:

Corinth Engine 52, Tanker 51, Squad 51 with 12 firefighters

Shortly after returning to the station CFD was again called back to the city for another working structure fire, this time to cover the city from headquarters. Engine 52 responded with 4 firefighters, while at headquarters CFD handled a call for a unconcious person at a local manufacturing plant. As Engine 52 cleared from the medical call Gaffney command released Engine 52 to return back to Corinth where we began stand-by duty for a line of severe weather coming thru the area. CFD had 16 personel standing by at the station during the storms.

RAPID INTERVENTION TRAINING COMPLETED

4/05/2009

Corinth firefighters responded to a MVA on the Brickhouse Rd near Victory Baptist Church. On arrival personel found 3 patients, 1 that had been ejected from the vehicle and was DOA, Cherokee County coroners office was contacted to respond while personel tended to the other 2 patients, that were then transported by gound to SRMC. CVFD remained on scene for a extended period of time to keep the road closed while Highway Patrol investigated. While on scene CFD was dispatched to a second call for medical assistance on Pondfield Rd, command sent 2 first responders from the accident to that call.

Apparatus on scene:

Engines 52 and 53

Squad 52

Medic 1, 2, and 10

C-1

Highway Patrol

Cherokee County Accident Kills Teen, Investigators Say

Staff Reports
Published: April 6, 2009

A 17-year old-Blacksburg youth died in a single vehicle collision in Cherokee County Sunday.  Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler indentified the victim as Sara Jan Mullinax of 578 Old Buffalo Church Road.
  Fowler said Miss Mullinax was a front seat passenger in a 1996 Mercury that was headed west on Brick House Road at 4:25 p.m and being driven by her sister, 24-year-old Angela Beth White of 736 Brick House Road.
Fowler said Mrs. White lost control of the vehicle in a curve, crossed the center line, overcorrected and overturned.  Mullinax was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected on impact according to Fowler.
  Fowler, who pronounced Mullinax dead at the scene has ordered an autopsy to assist with his investigation of the collision which is continuing.
  Mullinax becomes Cherokee County’s 2nd traffic fatality of 2009.

3/21/2009

Corinth firefighters assisted Gaffney FD at a working structure fire on Colonial Ave in the city. Soon after the arrival of command fire began to vent out of the "A" and "B" sides of the residence. CFD responded Engine 52 and Squad 51 to the scene, once there the crew on Engine 52 was assigned RIT and other firefighters were sent to vent and check for extension into the attic, Sq 51 took care of the drinks and filling SCBA cylinders. Only 1 person was home at the time of the fire and she was awakened by a family pet, noticed the smoke and ran out of the house when she saw flames in the kitchen. No injuries were reported and units cleared the scene in about 1.5 hrs.

Apparatus on scene:
Gaffney: Engines 141 and 151. Ladder 101 and Squad 101
Corinth:  Engine 52 and Squad 51 and 8 personel
UCMC: M1 and M10

Gaffney Ledger article:

A dog alerted a Colonial Avenue resident to a kitchen fire Saturday, allowing her to get out of the home before super-heated gases spread through the structure and ignited. Fire broke out at 413 Colonial Ave. around 3 p.m. Saturday. City of Gaffney Fire Training Officer Scott Coleman said all ind... More...

3/16/2009

Corinth firefighters backed up the City of Gaffney on Monday evening, first being requested to stand-by and cover calls in the city but shortly after arriving at headquarters command requested Engine 52 and available manpower to the scene. Corinth firefighters were given the tasks of manning a 2.5" line on the "D" side of the home and were then requested to ladder the "C" side and try and gain access to the attic and division 2 area. Another crew was then assigned to ladder the "A" side and enter division 2 to search for hot spots and for the possibility of homeless person in the structure. That crew extinguished a few small fires and the search of the area was clear. Squad 51 was eventually called to the scene for it's cascade to fill scba cylinders. Corinth firefighters cleared the scene @ approx 22:15. Engine 52 did respond to a MVA in the city while firefighters were at the structure fire.


Apparatus on scene:
Gaffney Engines 101, 141, 151, Sq 101
Corinth Engine 52 and Squad 51 with 8 personel on scene and 7 more standing by to cover calls
UCMC EMS M2 and M10

A boarded-up home on Walnut Street that had become a squatting place for homeless persons went up in flames Monday evening. Fire began in a second floor room at 209 Walnut St. after 7 p.m. Monday and smoke colored orange by the intense fire rose like a fireball above the City of Gaffney skyline. More...

3/14/09

Corinth firefighters stood-by at Gaffney Headquarters Saturday morning while they operated at a working fire with a fatality. Corinth firefighters were not there long before having to respond to a medical call for the city.

Engine 52 with 7 personnel covered Gaffney until they could get a Engine company available

Corinth firefighters were called to Stand-by in the city while they operated at a working fire @ Conneticut Village Apartments. Corinth firefighters did not have to wait long as they quickly received calls for 2 grass fires and a MVA. After about 1 hour Engine 52 was released from it's duties and returned to Corinth.


Corinth Apparatus: Engine 52 and Brush 51

3/1/09

A rare winter storm dumped between 10 and 12 inches of snow in the Corinth community Sunday evening into Monday morning causing wide spread power outages and causing several motorist to become stranded on Hwy 18. Corinth firefighters manned the fire station with 13 personell during the storm and responded to several calls ranging from cardiac arrest, to smoke in a structure, to trees down, power lines down, medical emergencies, and stranded motorist. 7 people were removed from their stranded cars and were either taken to a Red Cross shelter or returned home in a 4 wheel drive. Corinth handled approx 25 calls in 12 hours.

2/17/09

Corinth, Draytonville, and Twin Rivers firefighters were dispatched for a reported working structure fire on Blake Rd off Lowery Rd. 1502 Bowers arrived on scene to find a 1 story woodframe dwelling fully involved with the "A" side collapsing, and established Blake rd command. All pov's were requested to remain on Lowery road and only 1 engine and a tanker to come down the long driveway. A defensive attack was started using a Deckgun off the first in engine then 2- 1.75" lines were pulled to mop-up what was left. Red Cross is assisting the occupant and the fire is not believed to be suspicious. No firefighters were injured and all units cleared the scene in about 2 hours.

Apparatus on scene:

Corinth: Engines 52 and 53, Tanker 51, Squad 51

Draytonville: Engine 131,Tankers 131 and 132, Squad 132

Twin Rivers: Engine 21 Tanker 21

Photo by Marty Yesberg Cherokee Chronicle

 

2/10/09

Corinth firefighters assisted Draytonville fire department on a large woods fire today in the area of 900 Mckown Mountain rd, for the third time in 3 days all in the same area. Corinth was requested to assist with a brush truck and tanker, crews were out for about 2.5 hours battling the blaze. Also assisting on the fire was Twin Rivers FD and SC State Forestry with dozers to plow fire breaks. while at this fire Corinth firefighters also handled a fully involved truck fire at Hwy 329 on the gas lines.

Apparatus:
DMW: Engine 132, Tanker 131, Brush 131, Squad 132
Corinth: Tanker 51 and Brush 52
Twin Rivers: Brush 21
Forestry Comission

2/08/09

Just after midnite on Sunday morning Corinth firefighters were dispatched to a reported MVA overturned with 1 pt ejected and pinned under the vehicle. 1501 (Easler) pulled out from his house, and the the accident was just down the roadway, once onscene he cofirmed 1 pt under the car and requested the chopper be put in the air and for Gaffney city be dispatched to handle the LZ at Corinth Elementary school. Firefighters used the Rescue 42 struts, off Squad 51 to lift the vehicle and stabilize it while paramedics packaged and removed the patient. the patient was placed in the ambulance and moved about a tenth of a mile up to the LZ where SRMC Regional 1 was on the ground and waiting already. the driver of the car got himself out of the car and was transported by ground to UCMC for evaluation.

Apparatus on scene:

Engine 53 Squad 51 Squad 52

Gaffney Engine 101 and Squad 101 @ LZ

UCMC M1, M2, M10

SRMC Regional 1 

2/06/09

Corinth firefighters manned Engine 52 with 5 firefighters and moved up to Gaffney FD's main station to cover calls in the city while they operated at a commercial structure fire at Applebees on Floyd Baker Blvd. Crews stood by for about 1 hour until the city could get a Engine crew back in service.

Apparatus on scene:
Gaffney Engines 141,151 Ladder 101, Squad 101
Grassy Pond Engine 32 and Squad 31

Covering the city:
Corinth Engine 52 and Squad 54

01/16/09

Corinth firefighters were called to the scene of a commercial business fire around 1:00am today, to assist City of Gaffney. Corinth Engine 52 was assigned the "C/D" corner of the building, on arrival a portable tank was deployed and water was shuttled by tankers, as soon as water supply was established Corinth personel deployed a quick attack monitor on the "C/D" corner and put it's deckgun into service. At approx 20 min into the fire a collapse of the "C" and "D" sides occured just after a large explosion showered the area with burning debris. Corinth Personel were released by command at approx 6:00am. Temps were in the low teens and firefighters had to contend with freezing hoses, nozzles, and equipment. SCDOT was called to block off Hwy 105 and to bring a sand truck to the scene. The fire is under investigation by ATF and SCDHEC will be on scene this to check for contamination due to runoff from all the chemicals stored in the building which held a cabinet shop,textile storage,thrift store,beauty salon and another contracting business.  Story by WSPA news channel 7 below.

Apparatus on scene:

Gaffney: Engines 101,141,151, Ladder 101, Squad 101

Corinth: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Squad 51

DMW: Tankers 131 and 132

Grassy Pond: Tankers 31 and 32

Blacksburg : Tanker 91

EXCLUSIVE: Flames Destroy Gaffney Business Friday Morning

12/20/08

Corinth firefighters responded to a 3 car mva on Union Hwy at the intersection of Garvin Lake Rd. 1505 arrived on scene and found 1 car with minor damage 1 with moderate damage and 1 with severe damage, and 2 pts c/o neck pain and 1 with a laceration to the forehead. All victims refused transport. CFD personel remained on scene till the roadway was cleared by the wrecker companies.

Apparatus on scene:
Squad 52 and 54
UCMC EMS Medic 1

12/19/08

Corinth firefighters were dispatched to the 2800 block of Cowpens / Pacolet Hwy for a reported residential structure fire. Units arrived on scene reporting heavy smoke showing and then soon after reported a working fire. 2 - 1.75" lines were advanced 1 into the living room of the residence the second to the crawl space under the home. The main fire was knocked down quickly but due to extension under the home and up into the attic area extensive overhaul was needed including pulling the ceiling, kitchen cabinets,and cutting out the kitchen and living room floor. Water supply was handled via tankers.No injuries were reported and no one was home at the time of the fire.

Apparatus on scene:

Goucher FD: Engine 82, Tanker 81
Corinth FD: Engine 52, Tanker 51
Macedonia FD: Engine 11

12/01/08

Corinth firefighters responded with DMW and Gaffney City firefighters to a reported working structure fire on Victory Trail Rd (HWY 329). On arrival units found a doublewide mobile home with heavy fire thru the roof and out the "D" side. 2 - 1.75" lines were pulled and a defensive attack made to knock down the fire, once the fire was knocked down crews made a interior attack to finish up. The cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed suspicious. No firefighters were injured and Corinth units cleared the scene in about 1 hour.

Apparatus on scene:

DMW FD: Engine 132, Tankers 131,132, Squad 132

Corinth FD: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Squad 51, 8 Firefighters

Gaffney FD: Engine 151, 3 Firefighters

Corinth firefighters were first called to assist Goucher fire Department (Station 8) at a brush fire on Pacolet Hwy at around 2300 hrs on 11/22/08. Corinth was asked to respond with only their tanker for water supply, while other crews stood by at the station. Corinth was then dipatched around 0000 hrs to assist Draytonville FD ( Station 13) at a working Barn fire on Lake Cherokee Rd. Units arrived at this location to find a 100x100 Hay barn fully involved in fire. Station 13 used their Engine and Brush truck on the attack while Corinth firefighters responded Engine 52 and Tanker 51 to handle water supply operations, Engine 52 used it's front suction to draft from the drop tank and fed Engine 132 via a supply line, a fill site was set up about 1 mile away on a hydrant @ Draytonville Elementary school for the Tankers.  

VIDEO OF THE BARN FIRE IN THE VIDEO SECTION

Units on scene of first fire:

Goucher FD Engine 82, Tanker 81, Brush 81

Corinth FD Tanker 51

Units at second fire:

Draytonville FD: Engine 132, Tankers 131 and 132, Brush 131

Corinth FD: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Squad 52

Twin Rivers FD: Tanker 21

Corinth firefighters were requested to assist at the scene of a reported structure fire @ the Brook View Health Care Center ( a nursing home) located at 510 Thompson St in the City. Corinth firefighters stood by as R.I.T while Gaffney firefighters isolated the problem. A short time later Corinth personel assisted facility staff in moving many of the residents to a dining room in another part of the building.

Apparatus on scene:

Gaffney Engines 101, 141, 151 Ladder 101 Squad 101

Corinth Engines 52 and 53 Squad 51 Tanker 51

UCMC EMS

Residents Allowed To Return To Gaffney Nursing Home After Scare

10/20/08 7:15am

Corinth Firefighters responded to a reported overturned vehicle with 1 pt ejected and 1 entrapped, on Corinth Rd 1/2 mile below Stein City Rd. Upon arrival of the first unit command advised of a confirmed entrapment and 1 pt approximately 40' into the woods that was ejected. Regional One medivac was requested to be launched and a LZ was set up at Corinth Elementary School to transport 1 victim to SRMC and the other was transported by ground. Due to the size of the Pt several attempts were made to fit in the medivac without success and the decision was made to ground transport. 1501 Easler had Command. Corinth was assisted by Twin Rivers FD at the scene.

Apparatus:

Corinth Engines 52 and 53, Squad 52

Twin Rivers Squad 21

Upstate Carolina Medical Ctr Medic 1, 2 ,10

SRMC Regional One 

9/01/08

Corinth FD assisted Gaffney FD at the scene of an ammonia leak on Willis Dr @ Browns Packing Company. A worker struck a line on the side of the building and ruptured the line, the leak caused a vapor cloud to envelope the side and top of the building where the Ammonia is stored ( approx 10,000 lbs). Firefighters were dressed in level A suits and tried to isolate the line but 4 different valves broke or failed to operate, so command ordered a 5" supply line to be laid and a deck gun put into operation to help supress the vapors, other personel were down stream PH testing the run-off to be sure no further contamination occurred.

Units on scene:

Gaffney Engines 101,102,141,151

Corinth Engine 52

Cherokee County EMA

SCDHEC

Gaffney PD (closed streets in the area)

Sat. 8/22/08

Corinth firefighters were dispatched for a reported house fire in the 1400 block of Brickhouse road, caller reporting smoke coming from the roof. Due to the location of the call Corinth responded Squad 52 first out because of 2 wooden bridges that D.O.T. will not replace, and that keep the larger Engines and Tankers from crossing. The squad arrived on scene reporting nothing showing and began to investigate. A short time later Twin Rivers and Gaffney station 15 were cancelled.

Apparatus:

CORINTH FD: SQ52, ENGINES 52 AND 53, TANKER 51

DMW FD: ENGINE 131, TANKER 132

TWIN RIVERS FD: TANKER 21

GAFFNEY FD: ENGINE 151

MONDAY 8/18/08

Approx. 11:16 am Corinth was dispatched on the first alarm to respond to 126 London ln in the Draytonville Community for a reported house fire. Units arrived on scene to find a double wide mobile home with heavy fire out the "C" side center of the residence. Water supply was established via Tankers and 2- 1.75" lines were pulled and a interior attack was made thru the front door, crews had heavy fire conditions from the living room thru the kitchen area with the fire burning thru the roof in the kitchen area. A search was made of the residence with nothing found, 1 firefighter from Corinth was injured when a nail went thru the bottom of his boot, no other injuries were reported. Cause is still under investigation by Draytonville FD. DMW Chief Peterson had the command.

Apparatus on scene:

DMW FD: E-132 TANKER'S 131,132, SQ132

CORINTH FD: ENGINE 52, TANKER 51 SQUAD 51

GAFFNEY CITY: ENGINE 151

From The Gaffney Ledger:

Fire destroyed a double-wide mobile home Monday morning on London Lane despite a quick response by firefighters from three departments.

Chief Ricky Peterson of the Draytonville/ McKowns Mountain/ Wilkinsville Volunteer Fire Department said smoke from the fire was first spotted by someone roughly one mile away.

Upon their arrival at 126 London Lane, Peterson said firefighters saw the home fully engulfed in flames and a 10- foot hole in the roof.

Firefighters from DMW, Corinth Volunteer Fire Department and the City of Gaffney were able to quickly bring the fire under control. But the home and contents were totally destroyed.

"It was a really good response and attack on the fire," Peterson said. "(But) it wasn't one of those you could do anything with."

The American Red Cross of Cherokee County was called to the scene to offer assistance to the residents of the home.

No one was home at the time of the fire.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury at the scene when a nail pierced his boot, Peter- son said.

Peterson said it appeared the fire was electrical in nature. The woman who lived in the home, Sherry Mullinax, told firefighters she had been having problems since a lightning storm several days ago.

7/26/08

Corinth firefighters have assisted Gaffney FD with a structure fire @ 2:30am  in the 300 block of second st, then responded to a tree down accross the road on Brickhouse rd, and then a call for a motorcycle vs car MVA at the intersection of Ballenger and Childers Roads.

7/21/08

Corinth firefighters responded to multiple calls for trees down and a medical emergency and then were dispatched to assist with a working structure fire on Cowpens/Pacolet Hwy with Goucher FD. Corinth firefighters responded Engine 52 with 5 personnel, Tanker 51, and Squad 51. 1507 (Blanton) arrived on scene first and reported a fully involved structure already going to the ground.

July 17, 2008

Corinth firefighters were called to assist with a fire at the First Piedmont Federal building located @ 210 South Limestone St in the City of Gaffney @ around 8:00 pm. Corinth responded with Engine 52, Squad 51,Squad 52 and 15 firefighters. Corinth firefighters were assigned the second division to check for extension and then were assigned to ventilate the same area. CVFD personnel double stacked PPV fans and closed specific doors to allow air flow up the "B" side stair well to the second division and out thru a roof access hatch. Corinth firefighters remained on scene for approx 2 hours. Engine 52 was assigned the "B" side and squads 51,52 were sent to stageing 1 block south of the scene.

 

6/27/08

Corinth firefighters responded Engine 52 into the City of Gaffney Friday evening after 2 very strong storms ripped thru the city. In the first 20 minutes Gaffney stations had recieved reports of upwards of 20 reports of trees down on houses and cars + all the other reports of trees and wires down inthe roadways. When all city resources had been committed command requested the Corinth be dispatched to handle a call for a tree on a house with powerlines involved. Engine 52 responded and found a residence on Moss st with a tree completely covering the front of the home and powerlines down and the service lines to about 7 homes pulled down. No injuries were reported at this location and units remained on scene untill the power company could shut down the power.

Engine 52 responded with 1501 in command

WEATHER EMERGENCY

6/22/08

On Sunday evening Cherokee County 911 set off the tones for Stations 2,5,8,11, and 13 to man their stations for possible tornados in the area, from a line of severe thunderstorms that were comming thru the lower end of Cherokee County, Corinth FD sent Squad 52 with 4 personnel to check the area of Smoke Ridge road and Hwy 18 for reports of possible damage, while 6 others remained at the station and got the station generator up and running.

6/17/08

Yet again Corinth firefighters were called upon to assist Draytonville firefighters with another working structure fire. Firefighters were called out for a reported fire in a doublewide mobile home on Whites road, that had just burned for the 4th time last week. Firefighters agian found fire in the living room of the home, this time nobody was at home and the power is still disconnected from the last fire. Cherokee County Sherrifs office is investigating (again) for the cause of the fire.

Apparatus on scene:

Draytonville FD: Engine 132, Tankers 131 and 132, Squad 132

Corinth FD: Engine 52 with 5 FF's, Tanker 51 with 2 FF's, Squad 51 with 2 FF's, Squad 52 with 2 FF's

Gaffney Station 15: Engine 151 with 3

6/16/08

Corinth firefighters have responded to 2 more structure fires in the last 24 hours ( total of 3 ) this time 1 assisting Draytonville FD with a fire in a A/C unit in a residential home in the 1200 block of hwy 329,@ approx 1:00am this morning, Corinth firefighters were cancelled after the homeowner put the fire out themselves. The second fire was actually back at the same residence as yesterday but not for a rekindle, for a fire in a outside storage building. The family had removed what belongings they could salvage from yesterdays fire and put them in a storage building behind the home, at approx 12:00pm a fire started in the pile of clothing in the floor of the building and what had survived the fire yesterday is now destroyed. There is smoke and heat damage to the building and the contents and a small hole burned thru the floor.

Apparatus on scene of last fire:

Corinth: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Squads 52 and 54

Gaffney: Engine 101 and Squad 101

Draytonville: Engine 132, Tanker 132, Squad 131

 

6/15/08

Corinth firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the Laurelwood sub-division. Firefighters were onscene within minutes and the fire had already filled the attic area and was starting through the roof. The fire was reported to have started with a BBQ on the back deck that was left un- attended, when the owners came back outside the fire had already went up the back of the home and was in the attic. The home is a total loss and Red Cross is assisting the family. Firefighters were hampered by the fact there is not any hydrants in the area and the roadway is only a single lane.

Apparatus on scene:

Corinth: Engines 52,53 Tanker 51, Squads 51 and 54

Draytonville: Engine 132, Tankers 131 and 132, Squad 132

Twin Rivers: Engine 21 and Tanker 21

Goucher: Squad 81 and Rescue 81

Gaffney: Engine 101

Units on stand-by:

 Gaffney E-141 @ Gaffney Headquarters, Blacksburg E-92 @ Corinth, Cowpens E-1 @ Goucher

06/13/08

Corinth firefighters again today returned to the fire on Pondfield Rd this time with the help of Cherokee County Public Works with a large track loader. Ever since the large tire fire earlier this week fire has been burning underground, today the track loader pulled everything apart and firefighters used another 1500 gallons from E-52 to finally put the fire out for good.

Apparatus : Engine 52 with 4 ff's, Tanker 51 with 1 ff and Squad 54 with 1 ff

Firefighters were then dispatched a short time later for a woods fire with structures threatened off of Burnt Gin Rd in the 800 block. Corinth was assisted by Goucher and Macedonia FD's, and 2 dozers and a plane from SC Forestry. Firefighters stood by while forestry dozers plowed a double line around the fire.

Apparatus:

Corinth: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Brush 51

Goucher: Engine 82, Tanker 81, Brush 81

Macedonia: Engine 13, Tanker 13, Brush 11

6/11/08

14:30 hrs

Draytonville, Corinth And Twin Rivers firefighters again today handled a brush fire in the 93+ degree heat, this ime the fire was located on the 200 block of Darwin Rd. Originally dispatched for a brush fire with structures threatened units arrived to find a large brush pile on fire.

apparatus on scene:

Draytonville: Tanker 131,132 and brush 131

Corinth: Engine 52 and Squad 54

Twin Rivers: Tanker 21

PONDFIELD RD BRUSH FIRE:

6/09/08

19:30 hrs

Corinth firefighters were assisted by Draytonville, Twin Rivers, Goucher FD's, and South Carolina Forestry with a Dozer at a woods fire that was reported to contain approx 2-300 tires. Units were enroute to the scene and reported heavy black smoke in the area, upon arrival they advised of a large fire and requested Engines and Tankers from stations 13,2,and 8, as well as Cherokee County EMA. 

Corinth firefighters returned to the scene the next day (in 100 degree heat) when a passer-by saw smoke and called 911. 1500 arrived on scene and cancelled all units except Squad 52 to handle a few small hot spots all inside the plow lines.

Units on scene:

Corinth: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Brush 51, Squad 51

Draytonville: Engine 132, Tanker 131

Twin Rivers: Tanker 21

Goucher: Tanker 81

SC Forestry

Cherokee County: 300 EMA

6/03/08

7:15 am

Corinth firefighters responded with Draytonville and City of Gaffney Station 15 to a reported structure fire @ 413 Whites road. units arrived to find smoke showing from a double wide modular home, Engine 151 arrived on scene and advanced a 1.75" line and extinguished the fire in the kitchen and living room. primary and secondary searches were clear and the fire area was overhauled. This is the 3rd suspicious fire at this residence and law enforcement was called again to investigate.

Apparatus on scene:

Draytonville: Engine 132, Tankers 131 and 132, Squad 132

Gaffney: Engine 151

Corinth: Engine 52 and Tanker 51

May 30, 2008

6:15 am

Goucher and Corinth firefighters battled an early morning fire off of Pacolet Hwy @ Goforth Dr. The fire appears to be suspicious in nature and is under investigation as to the actual cause by the Cherokee County Sherrifs office. Firefighters had a difficult time putting out the fire due to the fact it was actually 2 single wide mobile homes put together and had walls and roof built around them. The fire did eventually burn thru the roof in the "A"/"D" corner before firefighters were able to penetrate the metal foof and gain access to that void area. Corinth firefighters had the interior Goucher handled laddering up the gable on the "D" side, trying to gain access to the hidden fire. Firefighters used 2- 1.75" lines with water supply from the tankers on scene to control the fire. No injuries were reported to any firefighters but EMS was requested for the homeowner upon her return to the residence.

Goucher FD: Engine 82, Tanker 81, Rescue 81, with 8 firefighters

Corinth FD: Engine 52, Tanker 51, Squad 51, with 6 firefighters

Asbury FD: Engine 111, with 3 firefighters

5/25/08

Corinth and firefighters from City of Gaffney's "C" shift burned a residence in the city @ 403 West Robinson St, this time just for the practice. Firefighters have been training in the house for several weeks and finished up with a live burn today, firefighters practiced ventilation, pump operations, fire attack and Incident Command. The home originally built in the 1800's was 2 stories with brick and heavy timber construction. Firefighters made many runs into the building before letting it burn to the ground. Firefighters rotated around from rear safety line, to the back up line then to attack and then to rehab, where they were checked by EMT's from CVFD. Pic's will be up soon in the photo gallery. In all about 25 firefighters participated in the burn, gaining that valuable experience from real fires. 

MAY 2008

Corinth Firefighters have approved the 3rd reading for an amendment to the by-laws that re-organizes the officers in the department. Firefighters will vote every 2 years to elect a Fire Chief, the Chief then has the authority to appoint all other line officers that meet a minimum level of qualifications and time in the department. The new officer structure will now be: Deputy Chief of Operations and a Deputy Chief of Training, each Deputy Chief will then have a Captain assigned to them. Each Chief has specific responsibilities to their job, both while on a fire scene and around the station.

Qualifications for Chief:

1. PASS YEARLY PHYSICAL AND SCBA FIT TEST

2. MAINTAIN ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP AS REQUIRED IN BYLAWS

3. NIMS ICS TRAINING TO THE 400 LEVEL

4. EITHER OLD 1131/1152 OSHA FIREFIGHTER + 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE, OR FIREFIGHTER 1 + 5 YEARS

5. HAZMAT OPERATIONS

6. VEHICLE EXTRICATION

7. PUMPS 1

8. MEDICAL FIRST RESPONDER

DEPUTY CHIEF OF OPERATIONS AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF TRAINING :

SAME AS CHIEF EXCEPT YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DROP TO 5 YEARS AND 2 YEARS

OPERATIONS CHIEF RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. ADMINISTRATION AND REPORTING

2.GRANT WRITING ASSISTANCE

3. ANNUAL TESTING OF EQUIPMENT

4. OVERSEE PHYSICALS AND FIT TESTING

5. PART OF THE DISCIPLINARY PANEL OF CHIEFS

6. ANY DUTY OF THE CHIEF IN HIS OR HER ABSENCE

FIRE GROUND DUTIES:

1. INCIDENT COMMANDER

2. OPERATIONS CHIEF

3. COMMAND STAFF

4. GENERAL FIREFIGHTING DUTIES AS NEEDED

 

CHIEF OF TRAINING:

1. ADMINISTRATION OF TRAINING FILES

2. PRODUCE A YEARLY TRAINING CALENDAR

3. CONDUCT TRAINING OR DELEGATE TRAINING TO MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT

4. QUALIFY THE DRIVER OPERATORS IN THE DEPARTMENT

5. REGISTER MEMBERS FOR TRAINING CLASSES AND MANAGE THE TRAINING BUDGET

6. PERFORM ANY DUTY OF THE CHIEF IN HIS OR HER ABSENCE

7. BE PART OF THE DISCIPLINARY PANEL OF CHIEFS

8. ASSIST IN MODERATING BUSINESS MEETINGS

FIRE GROUND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. INCIDENT COMMANDER

2. COMMAND STAFF / SAFETY OFFICER

3. SECTION CHIEF AS NEEDED

4. GENERAL FIREFIGHTING AS NEEDED

CAPTAINS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. YEARLY PHYSICAL AND FIT TEST

2. MAINTAIN ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

3. NIMS ICS TO THE 400 LEVEL

4. 1131/1152 + 5 YEARS OR FIREFIGHTER 1 AND 3 YEARS

5. HAZMAT OPERATIONS

6. VEHICLE EXTRICATION

7. MEDICAL FIRST RESPONDER

8. CERTIFIED IN HOUSE AS A DRIVER/OPERATOR AND HAVE A CLASS E LICENSE

OPERATIONS CAPTAIN IN HOUSE DUTIES:

1. OVERSEE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO ENSURE THEY ARE IN WORKING ORDER

2. RECOMMEND ANY MAINTENANCE TO BE DONE

3.ENSURE THAT BUILDING REMAINS CLEAN AND ORGANIZED

4. OVERSEE ANNUAL HOSE TESTING

5. ASSIST THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF OPERATIONS AS NEEDED

6. PERFORM ANY DUTIES OF THE CHIEF'S IN THEIR ABSENCE

 

TRAINING CAPTAIN:

1. ASSIST TRAINING CHIEF WITH FILES, SCHEDUALING, OR TRAINING SESSIONS

2. ASSIST WITH DRIVER TRAINING AND DRIVER/OPERATOR CERTIFICATION

3. INVENTORY ALL PPE AND RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF NEW EQUIPMENT

LIEUTENANTS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS SAME AS CAPTAINS

DUTIES:

1. BEGIN A PERSONNEL FILE FOR ALL NEW MEMBERS

2. REGISTER ALL NEW MEMBERS WITH THE  CHIEFS AND WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHALS OFFICE

3. ENSURE THAT NEW MEMBERS HAVE A COMPLETED BENEFICARY FORM IN THEIR FILE

4. ORIENT ALL NEW MEMBERS WITH DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT

5. COVER SOG'S WITH NEW MEMBERS AND ANNUALLY WITH ALL MEMBERS

6. CONDUCT A SAFETY REVIEW OF ALL FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CHIEFS PANEL CONCERNING SAFETY

Corinth and Draytonville firefghters responded to a possible house fire on 5/13/2008 @ 06:30 on Starr Ridge Rd. Firefighters had a difficult time locating the residence due to several mail boxes all together at the road and the home being one of several down a long private driveway. FD personell did locate the residence and found smoke in the structure and tracked it's origin back to a malfunctioning fan motor in the homes heating unit. Units remained on scene for approx 30 minutes. 1500 Chief Scates had command.

Apparatus on scene: Corinth:               Engines 52 and 53, Tanker 51

                                Draytonville:        Engine 132

April 26, 2008

Corinth and Goucher Firefighters participated in a live burn drill of a accquired structure in Corinth on Dry Fork Rd. Personel trained in Water shuttle, Pump operations, And Fire attack and behavior. 18 firefighters were able to participate in this drill with everybody having a good time and learning experience. No firefighters were injured and the property owner was able to have their building burned down reducing the cost of demolition. Some pics and videos are up on their respective pages.

APRIL 4 2008,

Corinth firefighters responded with Draytonville and Gaffney City Station 15 to a reported Brush fire with structures threatened on Golmine Rd. On 1505's  (Lt Bowers) arrival, found approx 2 acres burning with fire within 20 feet of a home and several large trash piles burning as well as a 12x16 out building. The wind was pushing the fire out of the open lot thru a wooded area and into a large cut-over. The fire was controlled in about 1 hour with 2 Engines 2 Tankers and 3 Brush trucks with approx 20 firefighters. SCDHEC was notified and SC Forestry due to the illegal burn that started the fire.

Units on scene: BRUSH 51,52,131

                       ENGINES 151,131

                       TANKERS 131,132

 

2/13/08

Corinth FD backed up station 13(DMW) at a working structure fire on Mckowns Mtn Road, units arrived to find a single wide mobile home well involved. CVFD provided Engine 52, Tanker 51, and Squad 52 with manpower

February, 2008

Corinth FD was notified that they would be receiving the state grant this year. The approx. $30,000 will be used to purchase the following equipment: 1000' 1.75" attack line, 3 Nossles, Pulse Oximeters, AED, Thermal Imager, Extrication tools, Gas meters, Ventilation saw, portable attack monitors.

January 3, 2007

Corinth firefighters responded to a reported car fire at Corinth Elementary School on Corinth Rd. On arrival  1501 (Asst Chief Easler) took command and  he confirmed a working fire near the cafeteria. Engine 53 and Tanker51 responded and made quick work of the fire in the engine compartment and front of the minivan involved. CVFD responded 7 firefighters to the call. SCDOT was called  after the fire to put sand down on the roadway due to the water run off freezing on the road from tempatures in the teens. Corinth firefighters also responded to 2 more medical calls today as well.

Corinth FD assisted Gaffney FD on a working structure fire @ the corner of Villa Dr and Apache Dr. CVFD provided manpower and tankers to the scene of a 1 strory residential with fire thru the roof. Engine 52 Tanker 51 and Squad 51 responded with 8 personel. 12/25/07 2345

Corinth Fire Department will recieve close to $97,000 in the 18th round, from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The funds will be used to purchase new LDH Hose, Radios, Protective Gear, Air Packs, and a Brush Fire Skid Unit.

TOTALS: $96,918.00

MOBILE RADIOS       6 @           $460.00    EA

PORTABLE RADIOS 10 @          $525.00    EA

5" SUPPLY LINE         12@          $684.00    EA

SKID UNIT (BRUSH)  1  @         $13,500     EA

SCOTT SCBA'S           6 @          $5,000       EA

WILDLAND GEAR     15 @         $525.00     EA

STRUCTURAL PPE    15 @         $1.955.00   EA

Corinth firefighters assisted Goucher FD (STATION 8) on a brush fire that led to a structure fire on Pacolet Hwy at the intersection of Quarter Round Rd. Goucher firefighters arrived at a reported brush fire to find that the fire had already extended into a mobile home. Mutual aid from Corinth (STATION 5) was requested and Engine 52, Tanker 51 and Squad 51 responded. The fire was quickly contained by firefighters from Goucher, Pacolet, and Corinth fire departments.

Corinth firefighters respond to another working structure fire this time at 168 Garvin Lake Rd at 6:15 am, units arrived to find a single wide mobile home with fire thru the roof and out the "C" and "D" sides. 1- 2.5" and 1- 1.75" line were used to quickly control the fire, water supply was from tankers. Asst Chief D. Easler had command. No injuries were reported and the occupant was being assisted by Red Cross. Corinth units on scene were Engines 52 and 53, Tanker 51, Squad 54, Gaffney FD Engine 101 and Goucher FD Engine 82, Tanker 81, Rescue 81, and Medic 1 from Upstate Carolina Med Ctr.

The last few months have been busy for Corinth Firefighters with several serious MVA's requiring extrication, our second and third fire related fatalites in the last year, working structure fire and mutual aid to the City of Gaffney. So far we are at 157 runs for the year with 35 actual fires and about 105 rescue calls and the rest being service calls and fire alarms.

Woman, child seriously injured in head-on crash
By TARA JENNINGS Ledger Staff Writer tara@gaffneyledger.com

Ledger photo / TARA JENNINGS This car struck a tractor-trailer head-on Sunday night on Highway 18.

A truck driver used a fire extinguisher to put out flames coming from a Nissan Altima that had struck his 18-wheeler head-on Sunday night.

Cheryl Harris, 47, of Union, and her 3-yearold grandchild were trapped inside the vehicle. The wreck occurred on Highway 18 near Thicketty Creek at approximately 8:30 p.m. Authorities believe the woman crossed the center line and struck the 18-wheeler.

"The truck driver tried to avoid her as best as he could," said Corinth Fire Chief Nick Scates. "The woman was in pretty bad shape when we got there, and I don't think the baby was doing real good either. The grandmother had a lot of trauma from hitting the dash."

Witnesses pulled the child from the wreckage but it took rescuers from the Corinth, Twin Rivers and Jonesville fire departments 45 minutes to free the woman, who was listed in serious condition as of press time.

She was flown by Regional One to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center where she was immediately taken into surgery. Gaffney firefighters responded to Corinth Elementary to assist in setting up the medical helicopter's landing zone.

Corinth Fire Chief Nick Scates said he requested a second medical helicopter respond to transport the child, but none was available. The child was transported by medics from Upstate Carolina Medical Center to SRMC. She suffered a closed head injury.

The truck driver, who is from West Virginia, was not injured. He was making a delivery to the Dollar General Distribution Center.

Highway 18 was closed through early Monday morning.

The trailer of the 18-wheeler overturned Sunday night as a wrecker attempted to remove it from the road. Crews unloaded the products from the truck before they were able to clear the road.

Relative of wreck survivors 'God was there for them that night' By TARA JENNINGS Ledger Staff Writer tara@gaffneyledger.com Ledger photo / TARA JENNINGS Kathy Harris suffered extensive injuries in this head-on crash. Her granddaughter, who suffered less severe wounds, was pulled from the vehicle by witnesses. The daughter of a woman involved in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer Sunday said she saw the wrecked car and doesn't know how her mother and niece made it out alive. "They were both very lucky, and the entire family thanks God every day for sparing them," Kathy Harris' daughter Misty Wright said Thursday. "He was truly there for them that night." Harris, 47, of Union was flown to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center by Regional One following the 8:30 p.m. accident on Highway 18 near Thicketty Creek. She was transferred to Greenville Memorial, where she remains in the Intensive Care Unit. She has no life-threatening injuries, but many broken bones, Wright said, including ribs, both arms and legs and a crushed knee and heel. "The doctors are keeping her heavily sedated," Wright said. "She had one surgery Wednesday and will be having another Friday with many more to follow." Harris was in the vehicle with her 2-year-old grandchild, who was released from the hospital Monday. She suffered a swollen eye and bruised face. The miracle of Harris' survival and recovery is even more powerful. Harris' vehicle caught fire following the crash. The driver of the 18-wheeler used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames in the Nissan Altima. Witnesses pulled the child from the car but Harris was trapped beneath the vehicle's dashboard. It took emergency workers 45 minutes to free Harris from the vehicle. Medics from Upstate Carolina Medical Center responded along with the Corinth, Twin Rivers and Jonesville fire departments to the accident. The Gaffney Fire Department also assisted by setting up a landing zone for Regional One.

Man faces multiple charges
By TARA JENNINGS Ledger Staff Writer tara@gaffneyledger.com

Ledger photo by TARA JENNINGS Sheriff's Deputy Lt. Joey Guyton escorts George Tuck of Gaffney to a patrol car Thursday afternoon after Tuck allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and set fire to his home.

Police said a Gaffney man set fire to the house he was living in when Cherokee County Sheriff's Department deputies arrived Thursday to question him about an assault.

Deputy Steve Bright said George Tuck, 46, saw him when the officer arrived at Tuck's home at 124 Nellie's Road in Corinth at 1:25 p.m. to question him. Bright managed to extinguish the fire in the front corner of the house, which had been set by Tuck, who was inside the home, said Deputy Lt. Joey Guyton. Tuck eventually came to the front door and was taken into custody.

Deputies wanted to question Tuck regarding an assault on a Gaffney woman who is Tuck's girlfriend. The woman suffered lacerations to her head and face, Guyton said. She called police from Tuck has been charged her 9th Street home to report the assault, which allegedly occurred at Tuck's home, the officer said. Police took photographs of the woman's injuries and she was examined by medics from Upstate Carolina Medical Center but not transported to the hospital. with 2nd-degree attempted arson and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He remains at the Cherokee County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

The Corinth Volunteer Fire Department also responded.

Man dies when overwhelmed by brush fire
By TARA JENNINGS Ledger Staff Writer tara@gaffneyledger.com

A 77-year-old man died after trying to extinguish a brush fire near his home Wednesday, marking the first fire-related death in Cherokee County since January 2004. Ledger photo by TARA JENNINGS

A 77-year-old Gaffney man died of burns and smoke inhalation Wednesday.

Cherokee County Assistant Coroner Glenn Fuller said James Albert Stegall, 77, of 110 Hackberry Drive, was attempting to extinguish a brush fire in a wooded area behind his home when he was overcome by smoke and flames. His body was found inside the fire zone by members of the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department.

"The fire department reported there was very dense, billowing smoke when they arrived and they didn't realize Mr. Stegall was in there until the wind shifted," Fuller said. "They had to use air packs to get to him. As far as we can tell, he was trying to get the fire under control and it just got to him."

Neighbors who passed by the Stegall residence called 9-11 to report the brush fire.

Corinth firefighters were dispatched at 11:43 a.m. and arrived seven minutes later, according to Corinth Fire Chief Nick Scates. Fifteen firefighters responded and remained at the site until after 3 p.m.

"There was heavy, thick smoke in the area where the fire was burning," Scates said. "After about 10 to 20 minutes into the incident when we had knocked most of the fire down, we discovered the body. We roped off the area and called in the sheriff's department."

Stegall had driven his wife to church and returned to his home to do yard work, Fuller said. He was alone when the fire started.

"Everybody says Mr. Stegall was a very gentle man," Fuller said. "He and his wife had been married 59 years and she said he still opened the car door for her."

2 people killed in fiery crash; bodies burned too badly to ID
By TARA JENNINGS Ledger Staff Writer tara@gaffneyledger.com

Two people were killed after their car overturned and caught fire just before 4 a.m. today.

Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner said the bodies were so badly burned that dental records will have to be used to identify them.

The coroner's office along with the Multi-Jurisdictional Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) of the S.C. Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

The two victims were traveling north on Wilkinsville Highway (Hwy. 105) in a 1999 Honda when their vehicle left the right side of the road and struck a tree. The vehicle spun off the tree, overturned and came to rest on its top in a ditch.

The accident occurred near the intersection with Highway 329 between McKown's Mountain Road and Mullinax Lane, across from 2878 Wilkinsville Hwy.

The Draytonville, McKown's Mountain, Wilkinsville (DMW) and Corinth fire departments responded along with medics from Upstate Carolina Medical Center.

"The car hit a pine tree and it ripped out the fuel cell, covering the vehicle in gasoline," said DMW Fire Chief Rick Peterson. "It ignited shortly after impact. We had to use foam to put the fire out because there was so much fuel burning."

Peterson said at least one, and maybe both, of the victims were pinned inside the car.

"They didn't have a chance," he said. "As far as why they wrecked, I don't know."

A resident in the area heard the crash and called 9-1-1.