January 29, 2026

Massive Fire Engulfs Laurel Island, Ash Clouds Nearby Communities

Charleston, January 29, 2026

Emergency services in Charleston responded to a significant fire on Laurel Island, leading to ash falling across Mount Pleasant. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Meanwhile, Georgetown County residents are warned about increasing phone scams, and a new Dutch Bros Coffee drive-thru is set to open in North Charleston. Additional developments include luxury student housing near the College of Charleston and Charleston City Hall’s yellow illumination for Holocaust Remembrance Day. South Carolina’s unemployment has slightly risen but the labor market remains steady.

Charleston

Charleston emergency services responded to a massive fire that engulfed Laurel Island overnight Wednesday, resulting in ash falling across parts of Mount Pleasant. The extensive blaze occurred on the island, which is known to be a former landfill site. The specific cause of the fire remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation into the incident. Fire crews worked through the night to bring the situation under control, with the impact of the fire being felt by residents in nearby communities due to smoke and ash.

Community and Economic Updates Across the Region

In other regional news, residents in Georgetown County have been cautioned about a recent increase in phone scams. Authorities are advising the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls, particularly those requesting personal or financial information.

North Charleston is set to welcome a new business with Dutch Bros Coffee planning to open a new drive-thru location. The establishment is expected to bring a vibrant new coffee experience to the area, catering to customers seeking convenience and unique beverage options. The timeline for its opening and specific location details are anticipated to be released soon.

Development continues near the College of Charleston with the construction of a new luxury student housing community. This project aims to address the growing demand for modern accommodation options for students attending the college, offering upscale amenities and living spaces. The completion of this housing community is expected to provide significant relief to the student housing market in the vicinity.

State-Level Political and Economic Developments

On the political front, Representative Johnson has issued a response to Governor McMaster’s recent State of the State Address. While the full details of Rep. Johnson’s statement are emerging, it is expected to reflect legislative priorities and assessments of the Governor’s outlined agenda for the state. This response is part of the ongoing political discourse surrounding key policy initiatives.

Charleston City Hall will be illuminated in yellow to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day. This symbolic gesture, planned two days ago, serves as a solemn recognition and remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust, fostering awareness and promoting education on the atrocities committed during that period.

Economically, South Carolina has experienced a slight rise in its unemployment rate. Despite this increase, the overall labor market in the state is reported to remain steady. This indicates a complex economic picture where some sectors may be facing challenges while others demonstrate resilience, maintaining a stable employment environment despite minor fluctuations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened on Laurel Island in Charleston?

A massive fire broke out on Laurel Island in Charleston overnight Wednesday, causing ash to fall in Mount Pleasant.

What is the current status of the Laurel Island fire investigation?

The cause of the massive fire on Laurel Island remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.

Are there any warnings for Georgetown County residents?

Residents in Georgetown County have been warned of a recent uptick in phone scams, advising caution against unsolicited calls for personal or financial information.

What new business is coming to North Charleston?

Dutch Bros Coffee is set to open a new drive-thru experience in North Charleston.

What new development is happening near the College of Charleston?

A new luxury student housing community is being built near the College of Charleston.

What was the response to Governor McMaster’s State of the State Address?

Representative Johnson responded to Governor McMaster’s State of the State Address.

How is Charleston City Hall commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day?

Charleston City Hall will be illuminated in yellow to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.

What is the current situation with South Carolina’s unemployment?

South Carolina’s unemployment has risen slightly, but the labor market remains steady.

Summary of Key Local and State Events

Event	Location/Scope	Key Detail
Massive Fire	Charleston (Laurel Island)	Overnight Wednesday, ash in Mount Pleasant, cause unknown.
Phone Scams Warning	Georgetown County (State-level)	Recent uptick, residents advised caution.
New Coffee Business	North Charleston	Dutch Bros Coffee opening a drive-thru.
Student Housing Development	Charleston (near College of Charleston)	New luxury community being built.
Political Response	State-level (South Carolina)	Rep. Johnson responds to Governor McMaster’s State of the State Address.
Holocaust Remembrance Day	Charleston City Hall	Illuminated in yellow to mark the day.
Unemployment Data	State-level (South Carolina)	Unemployment rises slightly, labor market remains steady.