Seneca Fire under investigation

A suspicious fire is under investigation in the City of Seneca, explains Firefighter Chris Cartee. “On Monday morning around 2am, we received a call about a structure fire on Evelyn Drive. Upon arrival, crews found the structure to be about 50% involved. There were five occupants that lived in the residence; everyone was able to get out safe. Fire crews made entry into the home and were able to get the fire knocked down. According to the residence, they do not have any working smoke detectors, so they were very lucky to get out of this residence. Right now it has been turned over to investigations and they are trying to determine the cause and origin of the fire.” The Seneca, Keowee Key, Westminster and Friendship Fire Department as well as Oconee County Station 21 working together contained the fire within 20 minutes. Cartee encourages residents to install smoke alarms if they do not otherwise have them in the home. “Smoke detectors are a no brainier, you need to have them, they save lives. The Seneca City Fire Department and then the surrounding fire departments are all willing to come out and help you come up with a fire plan and where you should have your smoke detectors. We also have a program that if you don’t have working smoke detector, we will come out and provide you with one and create an escape route for you and your family.” Call your local fire department if you are in need of working smoke detectors or would like a fire escape plan created for your family.