Fire blamed on ashes in trash

Careless removal of ashes from a fireplace caused a fire that gutted a West Ashley home Monday, officials said.

No one was injured in the blaze at 3426 Forest Glen Drive in the Village Green subdivision, but the fire burned through the roof and caused heavy damage throughout the home, said Mark Ruppel, public information officer for the Charleston Fire Department.

Firefighters from the Charleston and St. Andrews fire departments were dispatched at 1:45 p.m., Ruppel said.

When the first engine arrived, the crew saw heavy black smoke and fire coming from the house, he said.

The fire had been reported by the occupants, two adults, who told dispatchers they were safely outside.

Initially, firefighters entered the house and attempted to extinguish it from the inside, Ruppel said. But there was heavy fire in the attic area and firefighters withdrew and mounted an attack with large-diameter hoses from the ground and from an aerial ladder truck.

Water also was being sprayed on two adjacent homes to protect them from the intense heat and flames. The house on the right side suffered minor charring to the roof and a tree, but the house on the left appeared untouched.

The fire was declared under control at 2:19 p.m., Ruppel said. Four engines, two ladder trucks, two battalion chiefs and Charleston County EMS responded initially.

Two additional engines were requested after a few minutes. No firefighters were injured.

Investigators determined an occupant had earlier removed ashes from a fireplace and disposed of them in a trash can that was up against the house, Ruppel said. The ashes contained embers that eventually burst into flames, catching the house itself on fire.

The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the occupants, Ruppel said.

Reach David W. MacDougall at macdougd@postandcourier.com or 937-5655.