August 19, 2025

Devastating Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island

Fripp Island, August 19, 2025

News Summary

A tragic fire on Fripp Island resulted in the death of a 59-year-old man and the destruction of three homes. Firefighters worked tirelessly for over 14 hours to control the flames, which also caused damage to two additional properties. The community has come together to support affected families and first responders while the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Fripp Island, South Carolina – A devastating fire on Fripp Island led to the death of a 59-year-old man and the complete destruction of three homes on Saturday, August 16, at approximately 10:15 a.m. The blaze, which was reported at 718 Bonito Drive, raged for about 14 hours and necessitated the response of multiple fire units due to its severity.

Fire Chief Josh Horton indicated that when emergency crews arrived on the scene, the homes were already fully engulfed in flames. In the aftermath, firefighters discovered the body of the man and his dog amidst the debris. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is currently working to positively identify the victim, which they anticipate may take weeks, utilizing DNA evidence for confirmation. Results will be released by the coroner once the identification is complete.

In addition to the three homes lost, two other properties sustained damage from the fire. The intensity of the flames and extreme heat prompted assistance from multiple fire departments, including Lady’s Island-St. Helena, Beaufort-Port Royal, and Burton fire departments. Eyewitness accounts reported the sounds of two explosions during the incident, likely caused by a propane tank or a vehicle.

The Fripp Island community has displayed commendable solidarity in the wake of the tragedy, as residents organized food and support for first responders and those affected by the fire. However, homeowners have advised the public against any GoFundMe campaigns or similar fundraising efforts, stating that they have not authorized any such initiatives.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Arson Unit providing assistance. The investigation aims to ascertain the origins of the blaze that has marked a significant loss for the community.

Fripp Island, known as a private, gated residential and resort community, is located approximately 18 miles east of Beaufort, providing a serene environment for its residents. However, this tragic incident has left a palpable impact, as the site of destruction was littered with debris and water bottles left behind by firefighters combating the oppressive heat of the flames.

This fire not only represents a physical loss in terms of property but also stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and community bonds. As investigations proceed, the Fripp Island community continues to grieve while rallying together to support one another in recovery efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the fire on Fripp Island?

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Arson Unit is assisting in determining the fire’s origin.

How many homes were affected by the fire?

A total of three homes were completely destroyed, and two additional homes sustained damage.

What support has the community provided?

Residents of Fripp Island have organized food and support for first responders and other individuals affected by the fire.

Will there be fundraising efforts for the affected families?

Homeowners have advised against any GoFundMe campaigns, stating that they have not approved any fundraising efforts.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Date of Fire	August 16, 2023
Location	718 Bonito Drive, Fripp Island
Victims	One 59-year-old man and his dog
Homes Destroyed	3 homes
Homes Damaged	2 homes
Fire Duration	Approximately 14 hours
Fire Departments Involved	Lady’s Island-St. Helena, Beaufort-Port Royal, Burton
Explosions Reported	Two explosions likely from a propane tank or vehicle

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Faces Multiple Structure Fires Resulting in Casualties
Fripp Island Investigates Fatal Fire Incident
Shooting Incident Investigated on St. Helena Island
Beaufort County Investigates St. Helena Island Shooting Incident
Tragic Fire Claims Life of Man and Dog on Fripp Island
Tragic House Fire Claims Lives on Fripp Island
Devastating Fire Claims Lives and Homes on Fripp Island
Beaufort County Announces Community Engagement Events
Beaufort County Shooting Leaves Home Occupants Unharmed
Increased Police Presence in Beaufort County Following Shooting

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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