State arson investigators look into Fripp Island weekend fire

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC. (WTOC) - We found out state arson investigators are looking into a deadly fire over the weekend on Fripp Island in Beaufort County.

A man and his dog died.

The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is in the process of positively identifying the victim.

Officials say it can take weeks for this information to come back, so they will release the identity of the victim when they have those results.

SEE: Man, dog killed in major fire on Fripp Island

The fire started on Fripp Island on Saturday morning and burned into the afternoon.

Officials say they were on the scene for 14 hours, containing the flames and making sure everything was safe.

In the fire, three homes were destroyed, and two others were damaged.

Right now, neighbors have arranged food for the first responders who helped get the fire under control and for people impacted by this tragic event. They are also gathering gift cards for the families and collecting clothes and hygiene products.

Homeowners do tell us that they have not approved any GoFundMe’s and ask that people be cautious before donating to help.

As far as the investigation into the cause of the fire, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Arson Unit is helping the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.