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Greenville Home Fire Raises Safety Concerns

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/05/greenville-home-fire-raises-safety-concerns.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 20:12 GMT by WYFF
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WYFF4) - February 6th, 2026 - A fire broke out at a residence off Laurens Road in Greenville this morning, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting a swift response from Greenville County Fire Department. While firefighters successfully contained the blaze, the incident is raising concerns about a recent uptick in residential fires across the region.

Dispatch received multiple calls reporting smoke emanating from the home around 9:00 AM EST. Upon arrival, first responders encountered visible flames and immediately began working to extinguish the fire and prevent its spread to neighboring properties. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. All occupants were safely evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.

"Our crews worked quickly and efficiently to bring the fire under control," stated Fire Chief David Miller at a brief press conference held near the scene. "We were able to contain it to the structure of origin, minimizing the risk to surrounding homes. The priority, as always, is life safety, and we're very pleased that no one was hurt."

However, Chief Miller also emphasized that this fire is part of a concerning trend. Over the past three months, Greenville County has seen a nearly 20% increase in residential fires compared to the same period last year. While the cause of the Laurens Road fire remains under investigation, preliminary findings suggest a potential link to aging electrical systems and improperly maintained heating appliances.

"We're urging residents to be extra vigilant during these colder months," Miller added. "Ensure your smoke detectors are working correctly, check electrical cords for damage, and have your heating systems professionally inspected. Simple preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire."

The Greenville County Fire Department has launched a public awareness campaign focused on fire safety, offering free smoke detector installations for low-income households and educational resources on common fire hazards. The campaign, titled "Operation Safe Home," aims to address the root causes of these recent fires and prevent future tragedies.

Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the fire on Laurens Road caused significant traffic delays in the area. Laurens Road was partially closed for over two hours as firefighters battled the blaze and investigators began their work. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes, causing considerable congestion during the morning commute. The road has since been reopened, but residual delays are still possible.

Investigators are currently meticulously examining the scene, focusing on the potential origin of the fire and any contributing factors. They are collaborating with the State Fire Marshal's Office to conduct a thorough investigation. Evidence collected will be analyzed to determine the exact cause and potentially identify any code violations or safety hazards that may have contributed to the incident.

This isn't the first fire in the area this winter. Just last week, a similar incident occurred on Haywood Road, also under investigation. The common thread between these fires appears to be older homes with potentially outdated infrastructure. City officials are now discussing the possibility of implementing stricter fire safety inspections for older properties to identify and address potential hazards before they escalate into full-blown fires. The discussion also includes exploring grant opportunities for homeowners to help offset the cost of upgrading electrical systems and installing modern fire safety features. The city council is expected to address the issue at its next meeting on February 13th.

The Fire Department is asking anyone with information related to the Laurens Road fire to contact them at 555-FIRE (555-3473).