FFs Save Flag for SC Woman who Lost Home in 4-Alarm Blaze
Source Firehouse.com News
After a four-alarm fire tore through a South Carolina apartment building late Tuesday and destroyed one tenant's home, firefighters were able to recover the woman's last remaining belonging: an American flag.
Horry County Fire Rescue crews responded to a call just after 11 p.m. concerning a two-alarm fire at the Ocean Bridge Apartments in the Myrtle Beach area, WPDE-TV reports. The department initially said the fire was under control by about 12:30 a.m., but less than a half hour later a third alarm was raised, and a fourth alarm was called shortly after 2 a.m.
One building housing 15 apartments was severely damaged in the blaze, according to an online update by the department. At least six apartments were damaged by fire and several others sustained smoke and water damage, displacing at least five people.
Hours after the fourth alarm was raised, firefighters were pulled from the building at about 6:30 a.m. as a precaution, the department stated. Flames inside the structure were then doused by master streams, and construction equipment was called in to begin knocking down the significantly damaged apartments.
No injuries were reported during the call, and firefighters were able to reunite one displaced tenant with a cherished item.
The blaze gutted Vinnie Nudo-Frazier's apartment, burning through her home and possessions. Before the building was knocked down in order to stop flames from spreading, firefighters rescued an American flag that had been displayed in front of Nudo-Frazier's apartment and presented it to her, according to WPDE.
A tearful Nudo-Frazier took the flag—her only belonging to survive the blaze—and hugged and thanked the first responders. Video from the scene captured a tender moment as Nudo-Frazier held the flag in one hand, while wrapping an arm around a firefighter to express her gratitude in hushed tones.
Crews from Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Calabash Fire Department and Brunswick County fire department also responded to the call, according to the department. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
