When did the fire occur?

The fire ignited on Wednesday night, January 28, 2026.

Where exactly was the fire located?

The fire was located on Laurel Island, an island adjacent to the Cooper River downtown.

Which agencies responded to the fire?

Charleston Police and Charleston Fire Department, along with multiple other agencies including brush trucks from St. Johns and Mount Pleasant Fire Departments, responded to the blaze.

Has the cause of the fire been determined?

No, the cause of the massive brush fire has not yet been officially determined.

Were there any reported injuries?

There have been no immediate reports of injuries to civilians or emergency responders.

How much land was affected by the fire?

The fire reportedly affected approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land.

Were any buildings threatened by the fire?

No structures were threatened by the blaze.

January 30, 2026

Massive Brush Fire Erupts Near Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Charleston, January 30, 2026

A massive brush fire broke out on Laurel Island in Charleston, prompting a swift response from local fire and police departments. The blaze started on January 28 and was contained by early January 29. Approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land were impacted, but thankfully no structures were threatened and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation as emergency crews worked overnight to extinguish the flames and monitor the situation.

Charleston

A massive brush fire erupted on Laurel Island near the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Interstate 26 in Charleston on Wednesday night, January 28, 2026, prompting an extensive emergency response from multiple agencies. Fire crews, including the Charleston Fire Department and Charleston Police, battled the blaze throughout the night, successfully bringing it under control and extinguishing it just before 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Authorities confirmed that approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land were affected, but thankfully, no buildings were threatened, and there have been no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Swift and Coordinated Emergency Response

The incident necessitated a rapid and coordinated effort from various local departments. Crews from the Charleston Fire Department and Charleston Police were among the first responders on Wednesday night. Specialized brush firefighting vehicles were also brought in from the St. Johns and Mount Pleasant Fire Departments to combat the flames more effectively. Drone units were deployed to assist in monitoring the evolving conditions of the fire. Emergency personnel remained on the scene for several hours, working diligently to extinguish hot spots and prevent any further escalation.

Location and Impact

The fire originated on Laurel Island, an island situated adjacent to the Cooper River downtown. This area is known to be a former landfill site and is characterized by dense vegetation, which contributed to the intensity and complexity of the blaze. The proximity of the fire to major transportation arteries like the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Interstate 26 underscored the importance of the swift response to ensure public safety and minimize potential disruptions.

The flames were highly visible from parts of the Peninsula and West Ashley, attracting significant attention from residents. As a result of the extensive burning, ash fell from the sky across parts of Mount Pleasant, indicating the widespread nature of the smoke plume. Despite the scale of the fire and the challenging conditions, emergency services managed to contain the spread effectively, preventing harm to any structures.

Ongoing Investigation

As of the latest reports, investigators are actively working to determine what sparked the massive brush fire. While the immediate threat has been neutralized, the official cause has not yet been determined. The collaborative efforts of the responding agencies were crucial in managing this large-scale emergency, highlighting the importance of inter-departmental cooperation. The community is advised to stay informed about any further updates regarding the investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main news event?: A massive brush fire erupted near the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Interstate 26 in Charleston, South Carolina.
When did the fire occur?: The fire ignited on Wednesday night, January 28, 2026.
Where exactly was the fire located?: The fire was located on Laurel Island, an island adjacent to the Cooper River downtown.
Which agencies responded to the fire?: Charleston Police and Charleston Fire Department, along with multiple other agencies including brush trucks from St. Johns and Mount Pleasant Fire Departments, responded to the blaze.
Has the cause of the fire been determined?: No, the cause of the massive brush fire has not yet been officially determined.
Were there any reported injuries?: There have been no immediate reports of injuries to civilians or emergency responders.
How much land was affected by the fire?: The fire reportedly affected approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land.
Were any buildings threatened by the fire?: No structures were threatened by the blaze.

Key Features of the Fire Event

Feature	Detail
Event Type	Massive brush fire
Location	Laurel Island, near Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and I-26, Charleston, South Carolina
Start Date/Time	Wednesday night, January 28, 2026
Extinguishment Date/Time	Just before 2:00 a.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026
Agencies Involved	Charleston Fire Department, Charleston Police, St. Johns Fire Department, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, other agencies
Area Affected	Approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land
Injuries Reported	None
Structures Threatened	None
Cause	Under investigation
Additional Context	Laurel Island is a former landfill site; ash fell in Mount Pleasant