Fire damages North Charleston apartments; firefighters rescue one

Firefighters used ladders to rescue a man from a third-story apartment unit near the Whitehall subdivision early this morning, the North Charleston Fire Department said.

"We received a call from our dispatchers," Battalion Chief Eric Phillips said. "They said there was someone trapped."

The man was not injured in the blaze at the Cedar Grove Apartments, though a dog did die and about a dozen people were displaced, Battalion Chief Eric Phillips said. A firefighter also was injured when he was shocked by a piece of equipment. He had already left Summerville Medical Center later in the morning after receiving treatment.

The Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross reported helping 11 displaced adults. They had lived in seven different units, including two that were destroyed, said Nancy Olson, the chapter's development associate. A man and a couple who lived in the most badly damaged units were receiving food, shelter and clothing, while those from the others were receiving food and temporary shelter.

Crews were sent to building No. 4 at the complex on 8710 Evangeline Drive at 1:21 a.m. Dispatchers had received a call about the man who was trapped on the upper floor of the three-story building, Phillips said.

Firefighters spent at least 20 minutes controlling the flames, which spread into the attic, he said. Investigators were looking into the cause and did not release the location of the apartment where the fire started.

Check Charleston.net for more details as they become available.