Photos Courtesy of Chief Fred Tetor and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
Story by Grant Mishoe

MOUNT PLEASANT, South Carolina -- On Monday, March 11, 2002 at 1521 hours the Dispatch Center received the first of numerous telephone calls reporting a structure fire on Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant, SC. A police officer on patrol reported the fire and alerted the owners and patrons of the roof fire and began evacuation of approximately 10 staff and 25 diners.

A total of 4 engines, 2 aerial ladders, 2 fire boats and 75 firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control. The fire traveled fast through the structure, blanketing the sky with heavy black smoke that could be seen for miles. Mutual Aid departments consisted of the US Coast Guard, Sullivan's Island FD, Isle of Palms FD, Charleston FD and the North Charleston FD.

Damage to the building was estimated to be $2 million dollars. 6 fire investigators from MPFD, ATF, North Charleston FD and the Dorchester County Sheriffs Department worked the scene and determined the fire to be accidental in nature as a result of repairs being made to the roof.

Ironically the restaurant next door, The Trawler, suffered a devestating fire in 1989 that completely destroyed the establishment. This was the subject of the "On the Job" story for the a 1989 summer issue of Firehouse Magazine written by then Battalion Chief Fred Tetor.