Town officials praise multi-agency response after 23-acre fire near Dobie's Bridge Road

Mayor (Unidentified) opened the meeting by thanking local fire departments and naming Chipper Wilkerson, the town’s fire chief, for leading the response to a recent brush fire that affected about 23 acres along Dobie’s Bridge Road. "Guys, it doesn't get any better than the people that don't sleep to make sure you and I are okay," the mayor said, urging the council and public to recognize crews who stayed overnight to monitor hot spots.

The mayor said 18 response organizations representing 16 outside agencies and 88 personnel were involved, with seven personnel assigned to backfill other duties. Mutual aid came from neighboring departments including Flint Hill, Leslie, Riverview, Rock Hill, Indian Land, Riverside, Van Wyke, Pineville and Steel Creek, and the York County Sheriff's Office and South Carolina Forestry Commission assisted, he said. Police closed Dobie’s Bridge Road while crews worked.

The mayor credited Rock Hill for sending tall lights and described how crews contained the blaze despite high winds and very dry conditions. "Not only did they get that fire under control, but they stayed overnight," he said. The town cautioned residents about fire conditions during windy, dry weather and thanked all agencies involved for the rapid response.

The town did not provide a post-incident damage estimate or a cause determination during the meeting; officials said they would share additional information as it becomes available.