Woman found dead in condo fire identified

A woman was found dead Thursday night as firefighters battled a blaze in her condominium, officials said.

Staci Allen, 41, died as a result of smoke inhalation, Charleston County Deputy Coroner Brittney Martin said Friday.

The North Charleston Fire Department responded to Regency Square Condominiums at 6601 Dorchester Road shortly after 8 p.m., said Bianca Sancic, department spokeswoman.

When the first unit arrived, firefighters saw smoke coming from a second-floor condo. They entered the home and found a woman who was not responsive, Sancic said. The woman was pulled outside, but she was declared dead at the scene, Sancic said.

A dog found in the condo was rescued.

"The dog is at an emergency vet," Sancic said. Firefighters used a special pet-sized oxygen mask to give oxygen to the dog.

Firefighters were on the scene within five minutes after the call was received, Sancic said. Several engine and ladder companies, as well as a rescue unit, responded. Charleston County EMS and city police were also on hand.

It was 22 minutes before the fire was declared under control, Sancic said.

Fire damage was confined to the one condo, but adjacent units may have suffered some smoke and water damage, officials said.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

Earlier Thursday, American Red Cross volunteers were called to the scene of an early morning duplex fire on Lisa Street in North Charleston. One apartment was destroyed and the other apartment sustained major damage, the Red Cross said.

Since Jan. 1, the Charleston regional office of the American Red Cross has assisted 505 individuals affected by residential fires.

Reach David W. MacDougall at 937-5655.