Dutch Fork Fire Rescue/Columbia FD 20/21

03/27/2026

Due to dry conditions State Forestry issuing a state wide burn ban.

SC Forestry Commission to issue statewide burning ban, effective at 4 p.m. today

COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a State Forester’s Burning Ban for all counties, effective at 4 p.m. today.

A State Forester’s Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state.

The ban does not apply to fires used for the preparation of food or fires used in appropriate enclosures (portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas or permanent fire pits constructed of stone, masonry, metal or other noncombustible material that conforms with all applicable South Carolina fire codes).

Forestry Commission officials say weather conditions over the next several days present a greatly elevated potential for fires igniting easily and spreading rapidly. Dangerously low relative humidities – reaching below 20% in some areas – combined with extremely dry fuels statewide and gusty winds will create a particularly volatile mix of wildfire risk factors throughout the weekend.

"In addition to the intensifying drought conditions, the weather we’re going to see statewide over the next several days makes it ripe for any fire that starts to burn intensely and move fast,” SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said. "While these conditions can make wildfires ignite easily anywhere and make it more challenging for firefighters to contain, we’re really concerned about areas where events like Hurricane Helene and recent ice damage have led to higher amounts of fuel. This burning ban is necessary to limit ignitions to the maximum extent possible to prevent severe wildfires for public safety purposes."

The ban will stay in effect until further notice, which will come in the form of an official announcement from the Forestry Commission.

Shareable link:https://www.scfc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Advisory-StateForestersBurningBan-20260327.pdf

03/09/2026

This is great news and we appreciate the work of Council! We hope to be able to share plans on how this station will be staffed in the future!

Without our community supporters and the efforts you make on our behalf, it would not be possible!

NEW FIRE STATION COMING TO UPPER BALLENTINE! Late last year, I was pleased to speak with Chief Jenkins. He committed to taking the remaining steps to prepare for bidding on a new building for Station 21. Last Tuesday, County Council voted to award the nearly $4 million contract to Mimms Contracting. Construction is expected to take approximately 10 months. The station will be located on the same property as the station which is being replaced. This image is a rendering that gives an idea of the new station's appearance.

We are so thankful to all of our first responders! This is great news for Dutch Fork Fire Rescue/Columbia FD 20/21!

03/07/2026

Earlier this afternoon, units from Dutch Fork Fire Rescue were dispatched to a reported grass and woods fire in the Springhill area of Broad River Road, heading out of the county.

At the time of dispatch, crews were already operating at a motor vehicle accident at Dutch Fork and Bickley Road. With apparatus committed to that incident, volunteer members quickly responded to Springhill Station 21 to move equipment toward the reported fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a rapidly spreading woods fire that had extended to a nearby residence and was beginning to threaten the structure. The fire had already damaged an outdoor air conditioning unit and part of the home’s sprinkler system.

Volunteer crews immediately went to work containing and controlling the fire while additional units cleared the accident scene and responded to assist.

Thanks to the quick actions and coordinated response, firefighters were able to bring the situation under control and prevent further damage to the home. This response represents a tremendous save by the members responding out of Station 21 and a great outcome for the homeowner.

Station 21 currently operates as an unmanned station and relies heavily on the dedication and commitment of volunteer firefighters to respond when emergencies occur in this part of our community. Today’s incident highlights just how important those volunteers are in protecting the residents we serve.

We are incredibly grateful for the men and women who step up to respond and protect their neighbors. If you would like to join us, message us!

02/26/2026

Yes, yes. We felt that!

3.4 Magnitude earthquake confirmed. Still hiding under my desk.

02/14/2026

Y’all celebrating Valentine’s Day early or was that an earthquake??? 👀👀❤️

Some rumbling in the Irmo/Chapin area. An update will come in the comments when we find out!

Comment below if your felt it! 👇🏻

02/12/2026

🚨Incident Alert🚨

This morning Dutch Fork Fire Crews, responded to the first call in the new Monroe Preserve Subdivision (Mt. Vernon Church Rd/Broad River Rd) for a reported structure fire. 🔥🏡

Smoke was reported en route and upon arriving on scene it was found to be a fire on the exterior of one of the new builds. It was quickly extingused and contained.

Cause of the fire was determined to be an issue between the gas meter and exterior tankless hot water heater.

Thanks to our volunteers, Engine 20 was able to respond fully staffed and ready to go to work.🚒

02/10/2026

🚨Incident Alert🚨

Dutch Fork Fire Crews, along with Harbison Engine 16  responded to a MVA with reported entrapment in the Belfair subdivision shortly after 12pm today. (Avonwood Ct/Belfair Way)

Upon arrival, it was determined there was no entrapment nor injuries.

The scene was left with South Carolina Highway Patrol to investigate.

If you are a resident of Belfair, expect some minor delays until the vehicle is cleared from the roadway.

02/02/2026

🚨2/1/26 Incident Updates🚨

Earlier this afternoon, Dutch Fork Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a working structure fire in the Ashford Subdivision. Crews were just about to clear an alarm on Shady Grove Road when the initial dispatch was received.

Due to units already being committed, Irmo Fire District responded immediately to assist through mutual aid. Upon arrival, fire was visible coming through the roof, with a collapse reported in the garage area. Crews worked quickly to bring the incident under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

We appreciate the strong teamwork and coordination alongside other Columbia Fire Department (SC) stations and Irmo Fire Departement during this incident.

At the same time, a motor vehicle accident with entrapment was dispatched on Kennerly Road within our first-due area. Other units from Columbia Fire rapidly covered our district, responding with Rescue 1, Engine 1, and Ladder 7 to ensure continued protection of our community. Patients were transported by RCEMS.

Additionally, Dutch Fork Fire Rescue volunteers not assigned to the Fire or MVA staffed the station and responded to multiple medical calls during this period, ensuring uninterrupted service.

This incident highlights the importance of mutual aid, teamwork, and dedicated volunteers working together to serve our community. Thank you to all agencies and personnel involved.

02/01/2026

🚨Traffic Alert🚨

Crews are responding to MVA reports in the 11800 Block of Broad River Rd.

Roads are starting to ice over and come impassable. It goes with out saying, no matter where you’re from or what formal life training you have.

Kindly, Please stay off the roads.

01/31/2026

Yep… the weather man didn’t lie this time. South Carolina has officially entered panic mode. Milk and bread are missing. Cars are confused. We repeat… IT. IS. SNOWING.

Now for the serious stuff 👇
Dutch Fork Fire Rescue wants everyone to stay safe today:

• 🔥 Use heaters safely — never use grills or propane heaters indoors
• 🧯 Space heaters need space — keep them at least 3 feet from anything flammable
• 🚗 Avoid driving if you can — ice + bridges = bad news
• 🧓 Check on neighbors and elderly family members
• 💡 Prepare for possible power outages — flashlights over candles (not likely)

Stay warm, stay smart, and if you need us — we’re ready.

01/30/2026

Wait a minute…. Are we considered the Northern Midlands? I know a lot them have moved down…..KIDDING KIDDING!!

In all seriousness, you are welcome to start entering panic mode now. ❄️☃️🏂🎿🌨️🏔️🪏⛷️

Did you know we actually have snow chains?

01/29/2026

Happy Birthday to Dutch Fork Fires own William (Mayor of Ballentine) Lynch. Up early staying in shape and always ready to serve the community he lives in and loves.

Way to BRING IT Lynch…..