News Summary
The Burton Fire District is alarmed by a rising number of gas leak emergencies, reporting five incidents in six weeks. With six calls already in 2025, close to last year’s total, officials stress the need for vigilance and safety precautions like calling 811 before digging. Recent leaks have caused evacuations due to preventable errors, highlighting the community’s urgent need for awareness and prevention.
Burton, SC – The Burton Fire District is sounding the alarm over a concerning increase in gas leak emergencies that have surged in recent weeks. In the past six weeks alone, there have been five reported gas leak incidents, indicating a heightened risk for the community.
In a worrying trend, Burton fire crews have already responded to six gas leak calls in 2025, which is alarmingly close to the total of nine gas leak incidents recorded throughout all of 2024. The escalation of these emergencies is particularly troubling, as many of the leaks were attributed to preventable errors.
Specifically, two of the recent gas leaks were caused by faulty or leaking equipment while four other incidents stemmed from residents or contractors unintentionally striking gas lines during digging activities. The severity of these leaks has prompted the evacuation of nearby homes on two separate occasions until the gas could be safely contained.
In light of this increase, the Fire District is urging residents to take important precautions. One of the key recommendations is to call 811 before any digging to identify the location of underground utility lines. This critical step can help prevent further incidents that could pose serious safety risks to the community.
Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Byrne has also stressed the importance of reporting any suspected gas leak, no matter how minor. Firefighters are specifically trained to handle hazardous materials effectively, and quick action can mitigate the situation before it escalates.
Residents with inquiries or concerns regarding gas leaks or safety measures can reach out directly to Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Byrne at 843-986-4852. For further information, the Burton Fire District headquarters is located at 36 Burton Hill Road, Beaufort, SC 29906. The office’s contact number is 843-255-8011.
This recent uptick in gas leak incidents not only raises alarms within the fire department but also highlights the necessity for continuous education and awareness in the community. Preventative measures, quick reporting, and communication are essential in ensuring the safety of Burton’s residents. The Burton Fire District is committed to working with the public to prevent more of these dangerous incidents in the future.
Overall, the rise in gas leaks in Burton serves as a critical reminder for the community to remain vigilant regarding safety practices and to be proactive about recognizing the signs of gas leaks. The fire department continues to monitor the situation and encourages residents to cooperate with safety guidelines to mitigate risks.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Burton Fire Concerned About Recent Spike In Gas Leaks
- Wikipedia: Gas Leak
- Fox 28: Beaufort High School Evacuated Following Gas Leak
- Google Search: Beaufort Gas Leak
- Your Island News: Shell Point Homes Damaged, Families Displaced After Storm
- Google Scholar: Gas Leaks Precautions
- Island Packet: Local News on Gas Leaks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gas Leaks
- Island Packet: Recent Local News
- Google News: Burton Fire District
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.
