News Summary
A house fire erupted on West Sumter Street in Florence, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old woman, Cassandra Alston. Firefighters quickly controlled the flames but one person also sustained injuries. An investigation into the accidental cause of the fire is ongoing. Community members are reminded to prioritize fire safety.
Florence, S.C. – A house fire broke out on Tuesday around noon in the 600 block of West Sumter Street, resulting in the fatality of a 55-year-old woman and leaving one other person injured. The Florence County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the deceased as Cassandra Alston, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
First responders from the Florence fire and police departments arrived promptly, with smoke and flames visible from the front of the residence. Firefighters worked swiftly and were able to bring the flames under control within minutes of arriving on the scene.
In addition to Alston’s tragic death, another individual was injured during the incident. Fortunately, one person managed to escape the fire prior to the arrival of emergency crews and was evaluated for injuries; however, they were found to be unharmed. As a precautionary measure, the fire incident prompted temporary road closures in the area as emergency personnel worked to manage the situation.
The cause of the fire has been classified as “accidental” by local authorities, and an investigation is underway. The Florence Police Department is collaborating with the coroner’s office as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
An autopsy for Cassandra Alston is scheduled to take place later this week at the Medical University of South Carolina to determine the specific cause of death.
This tragic incident marks a profound loss for the community of Florence. Such events serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with fires and the importance of fire safety measures in residential settings.
Further updates regarding the ongoing investigation and additional details regarding the fire will be provided as they become available. Community members are encouraged to take precautions to ensure their safety and to have fire safety protocols in place.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: House Fire
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Florence house fire deaths
- WBTW News
- Google Scholar: House Fire Fatalities
- WFXB News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- SCNow
- Google News: Florence fire investigation
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.
