20 displaced in 2-alarm River Oaks fire

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Twenty people were displaced Friday morning after a two-alarm fire that damaged three buildings in the River Oaks area, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.

HCFR officials said they were dispatched at 1:35 a.m. to the 500 block of White River Drive.

One person with minor injuries was treated at the scene, but no one was taken to the hospital, according to HCFR.

Jennifer Lindsay, who said she lived in the building that burned, lost two cats in the fire, but they were able to get one of them out.

“[The fire crews] immediately went to work,” Lindsay said. “Unfortunately, we did lose two cats. We got one out, but everyone is safe and sound. And we’re just very lucky, I guess, that we were up to see it.”

She said she smelled something strange and unplugged some lamps and checked the burners in the kitchen.

“My roommate who was awake at the time also, we went outside ’cause she was curious,” Lindsey said. “Maybe it’s something outside. We saw a tree burning outside of our condo unit and we immediately called 911.”

HCFR said three buildings were damaged. A building with nine units had heavy damage and the entire building was evacuated. Two adjacent buildings sustained heat damage.

Those who were displaced will be assisted by the Red Cross, according to HCFR.

Tony Casey, HCFR spokesperson, said it could have been much worse.

“Our guys got here quickly, got a good knock on the fire and actually helped a bunch of people out of the units behind me,” Casey said. “So all things considered with a lack of serious injury, it was a good stop for my crews.”

The city of Conway Fire Department and Myrtle Beach Fire assisted on the call. The fire is under investigation, Casey said.

Count on News13 for updates.