Smoke in Hilton Head: What’s going on at former Nick’s Steak and Seafood?
Have you seen smoke coming out a building along William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island?
Don’t be alarmed — it may just be a drill.
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue is conducting a planned training exercise at 9 Park Lane between March 9 and March 20, the department shared on social media.
Longtime residents may know the building as the site of the former Nick’s Steak and Seafood, which closed its doors in December.
The Town of Hilton Head acquired the property at 9 Park Lane in January and has plans to use it to aid fire and rescue operations.
Is there a fire on Hilton Head?
The smoke at 9 Park Lane might be alarming to some, but it doesn’t mean there’s a fire on Hilton Head.
Before demolishing the vacant property, officials saw an opportunity to provide firefighters with “valuable hands-on training,” according the post.
Over the next several days, crews will be conducting fire attack, ventilation, hose deployment and search drills to ensure they remain prepared in case of a real emergency.
A smoke machine is being used to make the trainings “as realistic as possible.”
Drivers passing through the area may see several fire trucks parked in the parking lot in the coming days.
If you see smoke at a different location on Hilton Head, call 911.
What are the plans for 9 Park Lane?
The Town of Hilton Head Island recently acquired properties at 9 and 10 Park Lane to support fire rescue operations.
The Town Council authorized the purchase of the properties in October, according to a news release at the time. Property records show that the town closed on the properties in January.
As of February, Fire Rescue headquarters have been relocated to 10 Park Lane, according to an official social media post.
The restaurant at 9 Park Lane will be demolished and used for parking and open space, according to an October press release.
