Bamberg, South Carolina (May 2018) – On June 7, 2018, Bamberg County will host the Office of the State Fire Marshal for a Fire Safe South Carolina meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of Fire Safe SC, which is a community risk reduction program. During the meeting, current state and county community risk profiles will be reviewed, in addition to a discussion of risk reduction activities and opportunity to network with state and local stakeholders.

The public is encouraged to attend this meeting to learn about reducing fire risk in Bamberg County residences. The Office of the State Fire Marshal encourages attendance from involved citizens, fire department officials, political leaders, business and church leaders, and volunteer organization leaders.  Statewide partners in the program include the Red Cross, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, SC Department of Education, among others.

“This is an important meeting for Bamberg County residents,” stated Joey Preston, Bamberg County Administrator. “It is essential for the safety of our citizens that they understand ways to reduce the risk of fire-related damage and injuries. We hope that residents will join us in welcoming the Office of the State Fire Marshal to Bamberg County and take the important message back to their homes, businesses, and churches.”

In 2017, South Carolina suffered 102 fire fatalities. As of May 2, 2018, there have been 40 lives lost to fires. The most recent fire-related death in Bamberg County was on April 30th, 2017. There is a need in Bamberg County to work together to promote fire and life safety, as 70 percent of homes in our state do not have adequate smoke alarm coverage.

According to Paul Eubanks, Bamberg County Fire Coordinator, the leading causes of residential fires in Bamberg County are from unattended cooking, overloaded or outdated electrical systems, and misuse of heating appliances. “Public education, fire prevention classes in schools and the use of smoke detectors are absolute necessities in saving lives and preventing fires in homes,” stated Eubanks.

The public is encouraged to attend the Fire Safe SC meeting on Thursday, June 7, at 6 p.m. in Bamberg County Council Chambers, 1234 North Street, Bamberg. Door prizes, provided by Bamberg County Director of Emergency Services Brittany Barnwell, will be given to first 25 attendees.

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