Awendaw fire forces six from home

Fire forced four adults and two young children from their McClellanville home this morning.

The blaze started about 5 a.m. near the attic of the house at 1763 Bellfield Road, Awendaw Fire Chief Mike Rakoske said.

The fire destroyed the roof of the single-story house, he said. The nature of the fire is believed to be accidental. The cause is under investigation.

Everyone was out of the house when firefighters arrived and saw flames coming from the roof. The owner of the house was taken to the hospital with respiratory problems but that ailment is not believed to be caused by smoke inhalation, Rakoske said.

The Lowcountry Chapter of the Red Cross provided the family with comfort kits, toys for the children and money for food and clothing. Volunteers also set up temporary lodging arrangements, said Katherine Maybank, development associate for the local chapter.

The organization has assisted 552 people displaced by fire since July 1, she said.

Those wanting to help can donate to the Red Cross Heroes for Fire Victims Campaign, which assists local families whose homes are damaged by fire. More information is available at the American Red Cross at 843-764-2323 ext. 368.