Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Roger Kaney and other firefighters work to extinguish a fire at Bobbie Anderson's home on Highway 78 in Williston.
The roof of Bobbie Anderson's home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on the scene.
A firefighter douses the home with water.
An electrical issue could be to blame for a fire that left a Williston woman homeless.
On Sept. 26 around 5:15 a.m., firefighters from the Williston, Elko, Long Branch, and Windsor (Aiken County) fire departments were dispatched to a structure fire on Highway 78 in Williston, near the Aiken County line.
“On arrival the fire was through the roof and had consumed the entire attic space,” said Williston Fire Chief John Melton.
While the home was destroyed, homeowner Bobbie Anderson escaped thanks to her dogs waking her up.
“She was alerted by her dogs. They started barking and woke her up. They are really what saved her,” said Melton.
Anderson said her four dogs are the “heroes of the story” because their barking woke her up. That’s when she noticed smoke filling her home. She and the dogs all made it out safely without injuries.
Fire crews worked for several hours to bring the fire under control. They cleared the scene around 8 a.m.
“The fire appeared to be electrical and started on the wall leading up to the attic space,” said Melton.
With her home destroyed, Anderson is working with her insurance company to figure out her next steps, including the demolition process. She is hoping to rebuild and stay on her property. In the meantime, she is staying with loved ones.
Anyone interested in making a monetary donation to help Anderson rebuild can donate via Venmo to @BobbieSue-Anderson.
