Large fire destroys apartment building in Seneca, injures firefighter

SENECA, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - An investigation is underway after a large fire destroyed an apartment building and injured one firefighter on Tuesday, according to the Seneca Fire Department.

Crews from Seneca Fire and Friendship Fire were called to the scene at around 11:57 a.m. in reference to possible entrapment on Northwoods Drive at Clemson Ridge apartments.

While firefighters were heading to the scene, a large smoke column was visible and a second alarm was transmitted alerting Walhalla Platform 5 and Clemson University.

Multiple people shared videos and photos of flames shooting through the roof of one of the buildings at the complex and a large column of smoke they could see from Wells Highway.

Crews made their way inside the building and started evacuating the remaining residents.

Officials said a third alarm was transmitted bringing Crossroads Fire, Westminster, Corinth Shiloh, OCES and Townville Fire from Anderson County to the scene.

According to officials, they worked for more than four hours to put out the fire and one firefighter suffered minor injuries. He was treated and later released from the hospital, officials said.

No other injuries were reported and all occupants made it out of the building okay, according to Seneca Fire officials. The American Red Cross is assisting 11 people whose homes were damaged by the fire. The victims need financial assistance for food, lodging and other essentials.

Eight units at the complex were damaged in the fire and the Red Cross said six disaster relief cases have been opened so far.

Officials also said multiple pets were rescued, including a labrador from the third floor. A viewer caught one of the rescued pets being reunited with their owner on camera.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were notified due to the size of the building and monetary damages and are assisting with the investigation. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

To donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, you can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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