Blaze claims fire official's home

AWENDAW - For 13 years, Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad Deputy Chief Gary Durgin has put his life on the line saving other people's houses.

On Easter Sunday, a day to celebrate life with family and friends, the chief lost his home to a ruthless blaze.

'It's a tragedy,' said Peter Rogers, who is with the rescue squad and was one of dozens who raced down dirt roads to fight the fire. 'He spends his life helping others in these situations, and now it's happened to him.'

Durgin built the house in the Francis Marion

National Forest about three years ago. He and his wife went into town for an Easter morning breakfast. Shortly after 3 p.m., he got a call that his house was on fire.

Inspectors were sifting through the charred remains Sunday afternoon, looking for clues. They had no idea what started the fire, Rogers said.

Durgin declined to talk to reporters.

'He's used to being the one on the giving end,' Rogers said. 'Now he's on the other end.'

Kurt Penninger, who manages the Seewee Restaurant in Awendaw and lives nearby, spotted the smoke, called 911 and raced over to the house. When he got there, the house was engulfed.

'It's an awful thing to see a home on fire - on Easter Day,' Penninger said.

Firefighters were delayed about five minutes because of work on Steed Creek Road, which forced them to detour around to get to Durgin's house. It's doubtful it made any difference. The house already was engulfed in flames when Penninger got there.

He's planning a benefit at the restaurant this weekend to raise money to help Durgin rebuild. More details will be announced later. The firefighters are taking donations to help the chief rebuild. Donations to the Durgin Fund can be made at any Wachovia bank, Rogers said.