Electrical issues were apparently behind two structure fires in Eureka on Sunday.
Eureka Fire Chief Luke Westerman says crews had to battle a fire at 214 West Fourth shortly after 4 am and another at 517 North Adams shortly before 4 pm.
The Fourth Street fire apparently started in the walls of the home and went up into the attic, causing fire damage to the top floor and smoke damage throughout the house. Westerman says an electric overload on old wiring is the apparent cause. Greenwood County Fire’s Central, Hamilton and Reece divisions also responded, as did Greenwood County Emergency Management.
The Adams Street fire also caused damage to the attic with smoke damage through the house. Space heater equipment and wiring are the likely cause. Greenwood County’s Central and Reece divisions responded, along with Greenwood County Emergency Management.
There were no injuries reported at either location. At the Adams Street fire, neighbors alerted the occupant and directed him to safety.
Westerman says Eureka Fire has responded to five structure fires since Thanksgiving, including four homes and the S&L Hardware fire from late November. Combined with several mutual aid responses, Westerman says this has been his department’s busiest for fire calls since 2022-23.
