Florence, SC, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The Florence Fire Department responded to an electrical fire at MUSC Hospital, which staff had already extinguished. Firefighters assisted with ventilation and confirmed no injuries occurred. The incident highlighted the importance of working smoke alarms and proper fire safety measures. Additionally, the department celebrated Battalion Chief John Mays’ achievement and announced a new APX Personnel Accountability system to enhance safety and efficiency during emergencies.
Florence Fire Department Responds to Electrical Fire at MUSC Hospital While Fire Personnel Implement New Accountability System
Florence, SC – The Florence Fire Department responded to MUSC Hospital on Friday evening following a fire alarm activation that was traced to an electrical fire. Upon arrival, fire personnel learned that hospital staff had already extinguished the blaze. The scene was found to contain residual smoke and extinguisher powder, but no further hazards were reported.
Fire Department responders assisted hospital staff with ventilation measures to ensure the safety of all occupants. Authorities confirmed that there were no injuries related to the fire incident, and the cause was promptly attributed to electrical malfunction.
In light of this event, the Florence Fire Department stressed the significance of working smoke alarms throughout facilities and households, alongside recommendations to keep heating sources clear of combustible materials, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Recognition for Fire Department Leader
In addition to this recent incident, the Florence Fire Department celebrated a notable achievement by Battalion Chief John Mays from the West Florence Fire Department, who has received the South Carolina Chief Fire Officer designation from the State Association of Fire Chiefs. This designation highlights Mays’ commitment to firefighter and community safety protocols, achieved through a rigorous 40-hour training program. He joins a select group of about 200 chiefs statewide who have earned this esteemed recognition.
Implementation of New Accountability System
In a significant advancement for fire response efforts, all fire departments within Florence County have adopted a new APX Personnel Accountability system created by Motorola. This innovative system allows real-time tracking of firefighters’ locations during emergency incidents, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
As part of this initiative, every firefighter has been issued a fire service radio that integrates the accountability system features. The radios not only confirm the identities and locations of each firefighter but also have an emergency button that enables them to signal distress when necessary. This upgrade marks a departure from previous accountability methods, providing a more structured approach to incident management.
Furthermore, incident commanders are now required to file personal accountability reports every ten minutes during incidents, ensuring that all personnel are accounted for and safe. The technology holds potential for future enhancements, potentially incorporating health monitoring and live video feeds from helmet cameras.
Conclusion
The Florence Fire Department’s response to the electrical fire at MUSC Hospital underscores the critical importance of fire safety regulations and protocols, especially as they implement new technologies designed to enhance firefighter safety and accountability in the field.
FAQs
What caused the fire at MUSC Hospital?
The fire was caused by an electrical malfunction, which hospital staff quickly extinguished before the Florence Fire Department arrived.
Were there any injuries reported from the fire incident?
No injuries were reported in connection with the fire at MUSC Hospital.
What is the APX Personnel Accountability system?
The APX Personnel Accountability system is a Motorola-designed system that enables real-time tracking of firefighters’ locations during incidents, enhancing their safety and operational efficiency.
How often do incident commanders need to file personal accountability reports?
Incident commanders are required to file personal accountability reports every 10 minutes during an incident.
Can the new radio system signal distress?
Yes, the fire service radios issued as part of the accountability system are equipped with an emergency button that allows firefighters to signal distress when needed.
Key Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause of fire | Electrical malfunction |
| Fire incident response | Hospital staff extinguished the fire before arrival |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| New accountability system | APX Personnel Accountability system from Motorola |
| Real-time tracking | Allows incident commanders to locate firefighters |
| Emergency distress signal | Radios equipped with emergency button |
| Accountability reports | Filed every 10 minutes during an incident |
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Staff Extinguishes Electrical Fire at MUSC Hospital
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- WMBF: West Florence Fire Chief Earns State Designation
- Google Search: Florence Fire Department
- WCPO: Florence Celebrates New Fire Station
- Google Scholar: Fire Department Accountability System
- LinkNKY: Florence Officer Honored for Fostering Child
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- WAFF: Officials Urge Smoke Alarm Checks After Florence Apartment Fire
- Google News: Fire Department Florida
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
