60 children evacuated from a Lady’s Island preschool after employees saw smoke

About 60 children were evacuated from a Lady’s Island preschool after employees found smoke coming from a heating unit Tuesday afternoon, according to Lady’s Island-St. Helena Fire District.

Firefighters came to Hobbit Hill, Too on Rue Du Bois — located near the district’s headquarters station on Lady’s Island Drive — shortly before 2 p.m., fire district spokesman Scott Harris said Tuesday night. The fire in the over-heated electrical heating unit was out within minutes and no injuries were reported.

“Through training, education and preparations, the teachers were able to get all of the kids out of the building. They are to be commended for their actions,” Fire Marshal Will Vaigneur said.

The kids stayed at the fire station for the rest of their school day, Harris said.

S.C. Rep. Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort, owns the Hobbit Hill preschools and is the director for Hobbit Hill, Too, according to the centers’ website.

“We have always had a great relationship with Shannon (Erickson), both as a business owner and a representative,” Fire Chief Bruce Kline said. “That has only become stronger since we moved next door. We are glad we could make a difference for them today.”

This story was originally published January 17, 2018 at 3:41 PM with the headline "60 children evacuated from a Lady’s Island preschool after employees saw smoke."