News Summary
A devastating house fire in Florence on West Sumter Street resulted in the death of a 55-year-old woman, identified as Cassandra Alston, and injuries to another individual. The fire was ruled accidental by authorities, leading to increased concerns about fire safety in the community. Emergency crews responded quickly to control the flames, and the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Florence, SC – A tragic house fire on Tuesday resulted in the death of a 55-year-old woman and injuries to another individual. The incident occurred around noon in the 600 block of West Sumter Street.
The victim has been identified as Cassandra Alston, whose death was confirmed by the Florence County Coroner’s Office due to fire-related injuries. An autopsy is scheduled to take place at the Medical University of South Carolina to determine further details concerning her death.
In addition to Alston, one other person was reported injured during the fire. This individual was evaluated for their injuries and is confirmed to be okay, according to emergency response sources.
The fire was reported at approximately 10:35 p.m. on Tuesday, with flames visible soon after the arrival of emergency crews. Firefighters from both West Florence Fire-Rescue and the City of Florence Fire Department worked swiftly to bring the fire under control within minutes of their arrival. Given the severity of the flames, fire crews also checked nearby homes to ensure there were no additional victims.
Authorities have indicated that the fire’s cause has been ruled as accidental based on preliminary investigations by the Florence Police Department. Both the Coroner’s office and the police are conducting further inquiries into the incident.
Following the fire, road closures were implemented in the surrounding area to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure the safety of residents and emergency personnel.
This incident marks a heartbreaking event for the community, which experienced another fire earlier in the day on the same street that resulted in a fatality. The series of events has heightened concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in the area.
Residents of Florence are reminded of the importance of fire safety measures in their homes. Local fire departments often offer resources and information on how to prevent fires and what steps to take during emergencies. Community officials have called for residents to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols to protect themselves and their families from potential hazards.
This tragic fire underscores the unpredictability of such events, and the response from local fire departments and authorities serves as a reminder of the essential services they provide. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding both fires on West Sumter Street is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Coroner IDs Woman Dead After Florence House Fire
- WBTW: Coroner Identifies 55-Year-Old Woman Killed in Florence House Fire
- WFXB: Florence House Fire Turns Fatal, Killing One Person
- WPDE: Cassandra Alston Dead After Fire in Florence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: House Fire
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.
