What was the exact location of the house fire?

The fire occurred at 718 Bonito Road on Fripp Island, Beaufort County, SC.

What time did the fire start?

The fire began at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 16.

How many homes were affected by the fire?

At least three homes were directly engulfed, with several others sustaining significant damage.

What is known about the victim?

The victim was Michael Pate, a 70-year-old man, who was found deceased alongside a dog in his home.

What is currently known about the cause of the fire?

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

August 28, 2025

Michael Pate Identified as Victim of Fripp Island House Fire

Fripp Island, SC, August 28, 2025

News Summary

A devastating house fire on Fripp Island claimed the life of 70-year-old Michael Pate. The fire, which fully engulfed his home, also endangered neighboring residences. Emergency services battled the blaze for over 14 hours, revealing Pate’s identity through DNA evidence. Investigators from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office are currently looking into the cause of the incident. The tragedy has drawn the Fripp Island community together to provide support for those affected.

Fripp Island, SC: 70-Year-Old Michael Pate Identified as Victim of House Fire

Michael Pate, a 70-year-old resident of Fripp Island, has been identified as the victim of a devastating house fire that occurred on Saturday, August 16. The fire, which began at approximately 10:15 a.m. at 718 Bonito Road, fully engulfed Pate’s home and endangered two adjacent residences in a private gated community located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed Pate’s identity through DNA evidence, making it a tragic loss for the community.

Initial firefighting reports indicated that one individual was unaccounted for during the emergency response efforts, which continued for over 14 hours, involving multiple fire departments. The Fripp Island Fire Department, along with the Lady’s Island/St. Helena Fire District, City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, and Burton Fire District, all contributed to the extensive firefighting operation aimed at containing the blaze.

Responders described that at least three homes were directly affected by the fire, with several others suffering significant damage. A dog was also found deceased alongside Pate in the residence, intensifying the tragedy of the incident.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, is actively investigating the cause of the fire. As of now, no official explanation has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing. The coroner’s office was notified about the body around 3:49 p.m. on the day of the fire.

In the aftermath of this event, the Fripp Island Property Owners Association has extended condolences to the families affected by the fire and has offered various forms of support. Neighbors in the community have rallied together to provide meals and emotional support to those impacted, highlighting the spirit of solidarity present during such difficult times.

Background Context

Fripp Island is a private gated community known for its scenic beauty and resort-style living. It has a close-knit community, often coming together to support one another in times of crisis. The response to this fire underscores the importance of community cooperation and the commitment of local fire services to respond effectively under challenging circumstances. While investigations are underway, the loss of a life and a beloved pet have left a profound impact on the residents and the surrounding areas.

FAQs

What was the exact location of the house fire?: The fire occurred at 718 Bonito Road on Fripp Island, Beaufort County, SC.
What time did the fire start?: The fire began at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 16.
How many homes were affected by the fire?: At least three homes were directly engulfed, with several others sustaining significant damage.
What is known about the victim?: The victim was Michael Pate, a 70-year-old man, who was found deceased alongside a dog in his home.
What is currently known about the cause of the fire?: The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Detail
Victim’s Name	Michael Pate
Age of Victim	70 years
Incident Date	August 16
Time of Fire	Approximately 10:15 a.m.
Location	718 Bonito Road, Fripp Island, SC
Response Duration	Over 14 hours
Investigation Agencies	Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Impact	At least three homes affected, several others damaged

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Burton Residents Affected by House Fire
Burton Resident Charged in Major Dog Fighting Case
Bluffton Store Declared Safe After Evacuations
Beaufort Family Receives Community Support After House Fire
Beaufort Family Displaced by Devastating Fire
Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Beaufort Community Showcased in Live Broadcast Event
Devastating House Fire Displaces Brown Family in Beaufort
Tragic Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island
Steve Doocy Highlights Beaufort’s Local Business Pride

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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