Lee County Fire-Rescue, SC

08/03/2026

Update all units have cleared. Interstate 20 has reopened.

🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY TRAFFIC ADVISORY 🚨

The Lee County Fire Department, in coordination with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, is currently assisting with a public safety incident on Interstate 20 in the Bishopville area.

⚠️ Power lines are down across Interstate 20, impacting both the eastbound and westbound lanes between Mile Markers 108 and 116.

Crews from Black River Electric Cooperative are on scene with linemen actively working to safely repair the damaged power lines and restore normal traffic conditions.

Motorists are urged to:

Slow down and use extreme caution when traveling through the area.
Follow all directions from emergency personnel and traffic control officers.
Be prepared for traffic delays and possible temporary lane closures.
Consider alternate routes if possible until repairs are complete.

Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as responders and utility crews work to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

We will provide updates as additional information becomes available

07/29/2026

It is with great sadness that Lee County Fire Department has learned of the passing of Chuck Black.

As a dedicated instructor with the South Carolina Fire Academy, Chuck made a lasting impact on the fire service through his unwavering commitment to training and mentoring firefighters across the region, including many here in Lee County. His willingness to share his knowledge, experience, and passion for the fire service helped shape countless firefighters and strengthened departments throughout South Carolina.

Chuck's dedication to teaching and his servant's heart will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the firefighters he inspired.

Please join us in extending our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to Chuck's family, friends, colleagues, and the entire fire service family during this difficult time. Rest easy, Chuck. Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your lasting impact.

07/01/2026

The South Carolina Forestry Commission wishes you a SAFE and happy Fourth of July weekend! Dry conditions continue impacting areas across the state, and safety is key when celebrating with outdoor activities, including fireworks. Remember, fireworks CAN start wildfires!
⁠
✅ Keep an eye on local weather conditions and exercise extra caution during dry weather.⁠
✅ Use fireworks outdoors only and stay away from people, houses, flammable objects, dry grass, fields and forests.⁠
✅ Place used fireworks in a bucket of water.

06/15/2026

Update 6:52 PM Gas Leak is repaired all units have cleared.

🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT – GAS LINE RUPTURE 🚨

Lee County Fire Department units are currently operating at the scene of a gas line rupture in the 400 Block of Albert Street in Bishopville.

As a precautionary measure, homes within the affected area have been evacuated. There are no reports of injuries at this time.

Crews from Dominion Energy are on scene working to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. Fire Department personnel will remain on scene to assist and ensure public safety.

⚠️ Residents and motorists are urged to avoid the area until further notice to allow emergency crews to work safely and efficiently.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Lee County Fire Department
Serving and Protecting Lee County 🚒

06/08/2026

🚨 INCIDENT UPDATE – AIRCRAFT CRASH RESPONSE 🚨

The Lee County Fire Department is currently on the scene of an aircraft crash on Cuttino Road in Lynchburg.

One patient was involved in the incident and is reported to be in stable condition. The patient is being transported to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Multiple agencies are assisting with the response, including:
• Lee County EMS
• Lee County Sheriff’s Office
• Sumter Fire Department
• Sumter EMS
• Lee County Emergency Management Department

Due to the crash, power lines were damaged and are currently down in the area. Black River Electric Cooperative is on scene, and Santee Electric Cooperative crews are actively working to make repairs and safely restore power to affected customers.

Residents may experience extended power outages while repairs are being completed. We ask for your patience and understanding as utility crews work diligently to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

Please avoid the area and use caution if traveling nearby. Emergency responders and utility personnel remain on scene managing the incident and ensuring public safety.

06/03/2026

🔥 RECRUIT TRAINING UPDATE 🔥

Several of our members have successfully completed the Basic Fundamentals of Firefighting Course through the South Carolina Fire Academy and have now advanced to the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) portion of their training.

These dedicated recruits are continuing their path toward earning their IFSAC Firefighter I certification and are expected to complete their training by mid-July.

The Recruit School is led by Captain Jervyn Simon and supported by instructor-certified officers and staff members who are committed to developing the next generation of firefighters.

We are proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these recruits have demonstrated throughout their training. Please join us in congratulating them on this accomplishment and wishing them continued success as they move closer to becoming qualified firefighters.

Thank you to Captain Simon and all of our instructors for investing their time and expertise into the future of our department and the safety of our community.

🚒 Congratulations, recruits! Keep up the outstanding work!

05/04/2026

We were grateful for the opportunity to recently present to the Capital Projects Sales Tax Commission. Since the initial one in 2012, these investments have allowed us to significantly enhance our services through updated equipment—helping us better protect lives and property while also improving the safety of our personnel.

04/23/2026

Advisory April 22,2026 8:30 PM

🚨 Smoke Advisory – Stuckeytown Road & Springhill Community

Heavy smoke conditions remain in the Stuckeytown Road and Springhill community areas. Personnel from our department, along with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, are continuously monitoring the situation.

At this time, the fire is contained.
For safety reasons, Stuckeytown Road between Bracey Mill Road and Black River Road is closed. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes.

We will provide additional updates as conditions change.

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

🔥See smoke and fire after the Fire Department Leaves !🔥

🔥Contained vs. Controlled — What’s the Difference?🔥

🚨CURRENT DROUGHT CONDITIONS MAKE ALL FIREFIGHTING TACTICS CHALLENGING!🚨

There is a difference between a fire being contained and controlled, and it’s something many people don’t always realize.

✅ Contained means crews have established a secure perimeter—often using fire breaks—to stop the fire from spreading beyond a certain area. You may still see smoke and even flames within that perimeter, and that is expected.

✅ Controlled means the fire has been fully extinguished or reduced to the point that no further spread is expected.

In large wooded areas, it is very challenging to completely extinguish a fire quickly. Materials like pine straw, roots, and stumps can continue to burn for extended periods. Because of this, crews often allow fire to burn safely within established lines while continuing suppression efforts.

In South Carolina, state law establishes that all forest fire protection activities are directed and supervised by the Forestry Commission. At the same time, local fire departments supports them and protect exposures and stuctures.