FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – A fire in Florence County prompted road closures overnight Wednesday while crews responded to the scene.
During that time, a driver went through private property, struck a power line, and caused power outages in the area.
Florence County Fire and Rescue Chief William Dillon said road closures are put in place to protect both first responders and the public.
“When we shut a highway down, it’s for a specific purpose. It’s for our safety, and it’s for the driver’s safety that’s travelling on that roadway,” Dillon said. “The hazards are, it may be a washed-out road; it may be a tree in the road that the individual may not see until they get around a curve or something. The other is we’re working in the roadway, and we’ll shut down the roads for that purpose.”
Officials cite past incidents involving ignored barricades
Jessica Joe of the Florence County Emergency Management Department recalls what she has seen firsthand that can happen when drivers go around closures.
“We had a major flood; barricades were set out due to a road being closed because there was a hole in the road. Basically, the road had washed away,” Joe said. “The vehicle drove around the barricade and ended up driving into the crater that formed there and caught fire. So, that’s why we say those barricades are there for a reason. Because not only did you injure yourself, but now you’re putting the first responders who have to help you out of the situation at risk as well.”
Chief Dillon also referenced the death of a paramedic as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring barriers.
“We just had the anniversary of one of our paramedics, Miss Sarah Weaver, who tragically lost her life because an impatient went around a barricade, her and the victim she was taking care of,” Dillon said.
First responders and emergency officials are asking drivers to find alternate routes when closures are in place. Chief Dillon said saving a few minutes is not worth someone’s life.
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