BLUFFTON, S.C. () – The Bluffton Township Fire District’s (BTFD) Wildland Crew collaborated with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) to tackle a brush fire at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, which consumed 29 acres on Tuesday afternoon.
The fire was discovered after 3:00 p.m. by an off-duty firefighter following a lightning strike near Clubhouse Trail and Bull Point. BTFD dispatchers received more calls as smoke intensified and became visible from Highway 278 and across Skull Creek on Hilton Head Island.
Firefighters from various BTFD stations arrived and initiated response efforts. BTFD initially held command but transferred it to USFWS representatives as the fire took place on federally managed land.
Limited access hindered standard fire trucks from reaching the blaze. Using drip torches, the team ignited controlled fires along trails, which acted as natural fire breaks and stopped the fire’s advance.
“This event underscores the importance of working closely with our partner agencies during wildland fire situations,” stated Stephen Combs, Public Information Officer for BTFD. “The Wildland Crew’s specialized training and excellent on-ground coordination allowed us to contain the fire quickly and safely.”
Adam McCullough, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fire Management Officer, confirmed that the fire affected 29 acres. As of this morning, light smoke persists in the area, but the fire is completely contained.
No injuries were reported, and no structures were threatened.
