Firefighters and cops respond to a fire at a Charleston motel

A fire broke out at a motel in West Ashley, South Carolina, on Sunday afternoon, creating panic among guests and staff. Thanks to the quick response of firefighters and police, the situation was brought under control within minutes. While one person suffered from smoke inhalation, no major injuries were reported, and everyone was safely evacuated.

Fire Breaks Out at West Ashley Motel

The incident happened at the West Ashley Inn, located on Savannah Highway. Firefighters received several emergency calls just before 2:30 p.m., reporting flames and smoke coming from the building. As soon as the fire units reached the spot, they saw thick smoke and fire coming out of a room on the first floor of the two-storey motel.

The situation could have turned dangerous quickly, but the fire crews acted fast. Their quick thinking helped prevent the fire from spreading to other rooms.

Quick Action by Firefighters and Police

Firefighters managed to control and put out the fire within just six minutes of reaching the location. At the same time, the Charleston Police Department helped evacuate all the guests, including their pets, safely.

Within 20 minutes, the fire was completely under control. This shows how important fast emergency response is during such situations. Their teamwork ensured that everyone got out safely without any major harm.

Cause of the Fire Identified

After the fire was extinguished, investigators from the fire marshal’s office examined the scene to find out what caused the incident. They discovered that the fire started because of a candle left burning in the bathroom.

The candle ended up igniting nearby items, which quickly caught fire. The person staying in the room noticed the flames, stepped out immediately, and called 911 for help. This quick decision helped alert authorities in time.

Safety Concerns Found During Investigation

While investigating, officials also found some serious safety issues in the motel:

• The building did not have a fire sprinkler system
• The smoke alarms in the affected room were missing

These safety features are very important in preventing fires from spreading and warning people early. Their absence could have made the situation much worse.

One Person Treated for Smoke Inhalation

During the evacuation, one resident helped others get out safely but ended up inhaling smoke. Emergency medical services (EMS) treated the person and transported them for further care.

Thankfully, no other injuries were reported. Most residents were able to leave the building safely with the help of police and fire crews.

Emergency Teams Responded Together

Several emergency services worked together to handle the situation:

This coordination between different teams played a big role in controlling the situation quickly.

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