Major fire destroys local business, puts 50 people out of job in Hampton County
An early morning fire in a small Hampton County town destroyed a generations-old, locally owned laundromat Wednesday, leaving the community devastated and about 50 people without a job.
Brunson Laundry & Cleaners opened in 1946 is located in Brunson, which has a population of just more than 500 people.
The cause of the fire is being investigated but is suspected to have been started by lint in one of the large dryers in the back of the building, Hampton County Fire-Rescue Chief Greg Cook said Thursday.
He said one of the laundromat employees called 911 around 6 a.m. while others attempted to use fire extinguishers to control the flames.
The closest fire station is four blocks away, so the department’s initial response time was quick, but the flames continued to rapidly grow, and smoke billowed high above the building so they called in back-up from neighboring counties.
Emergency response teams from Hampton, Allendale, Jasper, Colleton and Beaufort counties provided support.
“It was a bad day,” Susanne Peeples, director of Hampton County Emergency Management, said. “But everybody worked together and we’re thankful to everyone that came out to help.”
Cook said crews were on scene throughout the entire day to ensure the fire and hot spots were completely out.
“We’re there for each other,” Cook said. “Being a small town we have to be.”
He said the business is planning to rebuild and is currently looking for an alternate place to get started.
