Articles by Bruce Smith

Intense Fire Season Expected in S.C., Burned Acreage Doubles

A red flag alert was issued for all of South Carolina during a wildfire season that started earlier compared with previous years and promises to be more intense, forestry officials said Tuesday. “We have fires all year long, but we …

S.C. Beaches in Good Shape, Some Structures in Path of Danger

South Carolina’s beaches overall are well prepared to withstand the winds and waves of this year’s hurricane season, but there are a few spots along the coast to worry about, a state official said. “Looking at the entire state, we’re …

South Carolina Highway Closed after Explosive Found in Speeder’s Car

Two men were detained after police found a suspicious item in their car during a routine traffic stop for speeding near Charleston, S.C., authorities said Sunday. Berkeley County sheriff’s Lt. Vince Lombard said the men were being held pending a …

Questions Linger After S.C. Fire That Took 9 Firefighters’ Lives

There is a border here between life and death. On one side are the bouquets and wreaths of fading flowers; balloons and ribbons and small American flags where the living remember nine fallen Charleston, South Carolina firefighters. Beyond the memorials …

Blaze Engulfs S.C. Furniture Warehouse, Killing 9 Firefighters

Fire swept through a furniture warehouse, collapsing the building’s roof and claiming the lives of nine firefighters in a disaster the mayor described Tuesday as “difficult to fathom or quantify.” “Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston …