Families Displaced by Creekside Apartment Fire Find Support Through Fire Department and Community Efforts
- CUBNSC
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By Javar Juarez | CUBNSC | December 24, 2025
Columbia, SC - In the early morning hours of November 30, a fire tore through the Creekside Apartments in the St. Andrews area of Columbia, forcing 27 people from five families—including 13 children—to flee for their lives as flames spread through the 1200 building. The blaze, which began around 12:30 a.m., left families with little more than the clothes they escaped in and raised pressing concerns about fire safety, evacuation preparedness, and long-term recovery for displaced residents.
All of the children impacted by the fire are students in Richland School District One, attending St. Andrews Middle School and Pine Grove Elementary School. Despite the scale of the incident, residents said the fire initially received limited public attention, delaying broader community awareness and coordinated response efforts during the critical early days following the displacement.
Immediate Displacement and Community Response
John Black, a community organizer and community manager at Copperfield Apartments, played a central role in the immediate response. Black confirmed that while five families were impacted, he was able to relocate three families—six adults and ten children— to Copperfield Apartments, providing temporary stability in the aftermath of the fire. The circumstances of the remaining families continue to evolve, as resources and placement options remain limited.
Families described the experience as deeply traumatic, particularly for children who were awakened by smoke, sirens, and confusion in the middle of the night. Some units sustained extensive fire damage, while others—especially lower-floor apartments—were rendered uninhabitable due to significant water damage from firefighting efforts. In many cases, residents reported losing nearly everything.
Access to Belongings and Insurance Uncertainty
In the days following the fire, residents described confusion surrounding access to their damaged apartments. Some families reported being advised that reentry was restricted due to safety concerns, while others were told that insurance adjusters would rely on photographs rather than in-person inspections to assess losses.
Residents also raised questions about insurance coverage. Several tenants said they were informed that insurance provisions may be included in the landlord-tenant agreement, though no confirmation has been provided regarding whether such coverage applies to tenants’ personal property.
At least one family confirmed they carried their own renters insurance policy and have been in contact with their insurer. However, they remain uncertain about how long it may take before any payment is issued, underscoring the financial strain families face while rebuilding.
Reported Cause Under Investigation
Residents at Creekside Apartments also shared new information regarding the possible origin of the fire. According to accounts provided by residents, the fire is believed to have started after irresponsible smoking activity, in which a lit cigarette or smoking material was allegedly discarded into a second-floor storage or utility area, where it continued to smolder before igniting a larger fire.
This information reflects resident accounts and developing understanding of the incident. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released a final determination.
School District and Social Services Response
Although residents confirmed outreach to social services and school-based community liaisons, there had been no direct engagement from Richland One interventionists at the time of reporting. Community leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring children receive emotional and academic support as families navigate displacement during the school year.
Advocates also noted that the fire occurred in one of the most densely populated areas of Richland County, reinforcing the need for coordinated leadership among property managers, school officials, emergency services, and community organizations to address both immediate needs and long-term stability.
Fire Department Engagement and a Call for Prevention
In the weeks following the fire, Columbia Fire Department Chief Aubrey Jenkins and Columbia firefighters from Engine 6—including Captain Paolucci, Senior Firefighter Stokes, and Engineer Baker—met directly with displaced families. Firefighters provided fire safety education, allowed children to engage with emergency equipment, and distributed gift cards and toys, offering reassurance during a difficult and uncertain time.
Beyond compassion, the incident prompted a broader public safety conversation: Are residents in older, multi-dwelling apartment complexes adequately prepared for emergencies?
Fire officials emphasized the importance of understanding evacuation routes, secondary exits, window ladder options for upper floors, and posted evacuation plans, many of which tenants may overlook or never receive from property management.
Rebuilding Lives, Not Just Units
While every family survived, the emotional and material toll remains significant. Recovery is not expected to be short-term, as families work to rebuild financially, emotionally, and physically—many during the holiday season.
Despite the loss, community members noted it was meaningful to see impacted families still have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas, supported by neighbors, first responders, and local leaders who stepped in to help.
The Creekside Apartments fire serves as a reminder that survival is not the same as preparedness. As families continue their recovery, the broader community is left with an urgent responsibility: to ensure that tenants understand evacuation procedures, have access to clear safety information, and know where to turn for help when disaster strikes.
For guidance on fire evacuation planning, residents are encouraged to consult the City of Columbia Fire Department, review posted evacuation notices in their buildings, and proactively engage property managers about emergency preparedness.
Columbia Richland Fire Department: (803) 545-3700