West Ashley townhome damaged by fire

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Nine people were displaced following an early morning fire at a townhome in West Ashely.

Crews with the Charleston Fire Department responded to the Castlewood Townhomes, located off Savage Road, just before 2:30 a.m., where they found smoke and flames coming from the roof of the two-story, five-unit building.

“Firefighters quickly initiated multiple operations to suppress the fire while searching the building for occupants,” said Chief Fire Marshal Michael Julazadeh. “Due to the volume of fire spreading within the attic space, crews evacuated the building, moving to a defensive strategy, and attacking the fire from the exterior.”

Police worked to evacuate an adjacent building out of caution.

“Once the fire was brought under control crews were able to complete the search of the remainder of the building and verified all occupants escaped prior to their arrival,” said Julazadeh.

Charleston Fire officials believe the fire originated on the rear, first floor patio area before spreading to the building. It extended into the attic space.

Officials say the specific cause is under investigation.

They said only one resident suffered smoke inhalation and was treated by Charleston County EMS.

Fire officials said all the units had some kind of smoke, water, and fire damage. An adjacent building had damage to its siding due to heat.