Fire in Rincon: multiple families displaced, one woman hospitalized

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The Rincon Fire Department and Effingham County Fire responded to a fire at 111 Towne Park E Dr. earlier this morning.

Effingham County Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Clinton Hodges stated that one person was taken to Effingham County Hospital in anticipation of being taken to the burn unit.

Upon arrival at the scene, heavy smoke and fire was visible. The fire was contained in a matter of minutes, Hodges also said.

Multiple occupants have been displaced and the cause of the fire is not yet known. Red Cross is on the way to provide assistance.

The fire completely destroyed one unit and caused significant damage to two others.

WTOC also spoke with two contractors who were working nearby and attempted to rescue people in the building.

These two local workers (Hugh Pirkle and Brandy Durden, employed at the nearby Parkview complex) witnessed the fire and were told a disabled woman remained inside.

They say they heard people yelling for help and entered the home to attempt to recover a resident’s disabled sister, but the smoke was too heavy.

Mr. Pirkle made a second attempt to reach the resident, “demonstrating extraordinary courage and selflessness,” officials say in a press release.

They also say the woman was eventually rescued and taken by ambulance to a hospital.

“Our community is deeply grateful for the heroic actions of these bystanders and the professionalism of our first responders”, says Mayor Kevin Exley. “Our citizens are resilient and our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event.”