Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Man Identified in Fatal Fire at Home and Business in Saluda County

Saluda County, South Carolina – The Saluda County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of a man who tragically lost his life in a devastating fire that occurred at his residence and business on Thursday morning.

Emergency services, including several fire stations and Saluda County Emergency Medical Services, swiftly responded to the Circle area off Columbia Highway upon receiving reports of a building engulfed in flames. The fire crews discovered the victim, identified as 72-year-old Timothy Bruce Smith of Leesville, inside the heavily burning structure which served as both his business and dwelling.

Following the rescue, Smith was immediately airlifted to Prisma Health Richland’s trauma unit for urgent medical treatment. However, despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to his injuries later that day. Fire officials from the Saluda Fire Department reported that the fire was initially reported at approximately 3:30 a.m., but by the time they arrived, the blaze had already gained significant intensity.

Multiple fire departments, including Circle, Hollywood, Ridge Spring, Midlands, Batesburg-Leesville, and Saluda County, collaborated to combat the fierce blaze. The heroic efforts of Saluda and Hollywood firefighters resulted in successfully rescuing Smith from the engulfed property.

The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Saluda County Fire Service have launched investigations into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding Smith’s tragic demise.

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