Fripp Island, South Carolina, August 17, 2025
News Summary
A major fire broke out on Fripp Island, SC, destroying three homes in a gated community. Emergency services extinguished the flames, and an investigation is underway by SLED. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but nearby properties sustained damage. Residents are grappling with the aftermath of this shocking event.
Fripp Island, South Carolina – A major fire erupted on Saturday, devastating three homes in a row of two-story buildings within a gated community on Fripp Island. The incident not only resulted in the total loss of the affected properties but also caused damage to several nearby houses.
Fire officials, along with residents, confirmed the severity of the situation, prompting the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to launch an investigation into the cause of the fire. Fripp Fire Chief Joshua Horton indicated that details surrounding the incident would be forthcoming from the ongoing investigation led by SLED’s Arson Unit, which specializes in incendiary cases upon request from local authorities.
Firefighters responded swiftly, and by 3 PM the flames were extinguished. However, first responders continued to work at the scene for cleanup and to assess further damage. As of that time, there were no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities. An agent from SLED was en route to the scene around 4:45 PM to further investigate the fire’s origins.
Witnesses reported alarming scenes; with one local maintenance company owner noting that by her arrival at 10:46 AM, two of the structures had already collapsed. The affected homes, located on Bonito Drive, included properties numbered 716, 718, and 720, all of which were destroyed. Property number 714 sustained damage, while number 722 was ablaze but ultimately not destroyed. Emergency services from various fire departments, including Fripp, Burton, Lady’s Island-St. Helena, and Beaufort-Port Royal, were engaged in battling the blaze.
Due to the ongoing investigation, Bonito Drive has been closed until further notice, further complicating access to the area for residents and emergency personnel alike. Live updates and images of the flames were shared across social media platforms, providing real-time accounts of the unfolding disaster. As crews continue to manage the situation on site, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating incident.
Fripp Island, located approximately 20 miles east of Beaufort along the Atlantic coast, is primarily known as a beach community with a variety of residential properties, including the two-story structures involved in this fire. While this incident marks a significant loss for the residents affected, the investigation may provide insights into the fire’s cause and extent of damage, which remains undetermined at this time.
Key Details
- Date: Saturday
- Location: Bonito Drive, Fripp Island, SC
- Affected Properties: 3 homes completely destroyed, additional damage incurred.
- Investigation: SLED conducting investigation with details pending.
- Emergency Response: Multiple fire departments responded; flames extinguished by 3 PM.
- Status: No confirmed injuries or fatalities reported.
Background Context
The incident occurred in a residential area characterized by side-by-side two-story houses. Residents and visitors in Fripp Island are accustomed to the serene coastal environment, making this sudden emergency particularly alarming as it escalates the risks associated with fire safety in such communities.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Saturday |
| Location | Bonito Drive, Fripp Island, SC |
| Affected Homes | 716, 718, 720 – Completely destroyed; 714 – Damaged; 722 – On fire |
| Fire Departments Involved | Fripp, Burton, Lady’s Island-St. Helena, Beaufort-Port Royal |
| Investigation Initiator |
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
| Status | Investigation ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Multiple Agencies Responding to Major Fire on Fripp Island
- Island Packet: Major Fire on Fripp Island
- WSAV: Breaking – Major Fire on Fripp Island
- Times Now News: Fripp Island Fire – Several Homes Ablaze
- Garden & Gun: From the Editor – An Oyster Tradition
- Wikipedia: Fripp Island, South Carolina
- Google Search: Fripp Island fire
- Google Scholar: Fripp Island fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fripp Island
- Google News: Fripp Island fire
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.
