Lexington County, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Lexington County has been shaken by a series of significant fire incidents, including a major house fire on Park Road that caused extensive damage. While there were no injuries reported from this fire, the week has seen tragic fatalities, including the death of a 2-year-old girl and a 65-year-old woman in separate fire incidents. In light of these events, the Lexington County Fire Service plans to enhance its training facilities to better prepare for emergencies as the community continues to address fire safety.
Lexington County is currently dealing with significant fire incidents that have prompted investigations and community response. A fire on Sunday afternoon heavily damaged a home in the Park Road area, while earlier tragic incidents resulted in fatalities in the region.
Emergency responders from the Lexington County Fire Service were called to the scene around 2 p.m. after reports of a two-story home ablaze. Firefighters arrived to find the structure engulfed in flames. Traffic detours were established along Rama Lane and Brookhill East due to the fire impacting Park Road, specifically between the 200 and 400 blocks.
By late afternoon, the fire was brought under control, allowing Park Road to reopen around 5 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident. However, Lexington County has faced additional fire-related tragedies this week, compounding the urgency of fire safety in the area.
In a separate and tragic incident, a 2-year-old girl named Remede Prigden lost her life in a fire that occurred on Canal Drive on Saturday morning, with an autopsy scheduled for the following Monday. Authorities have launched an investigation into this fire, which involves representatives from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Similarly, an early morning fire in West Columbia led to the death of a 65-year-old woman, Lila Ann Gunter, with an autopsy also pending to determine the cause of her death. Investigations into both fires are being conducted by local fire services, the state fire marshal, and law enforcement.
As the community reflects on these tragic incidents, the Lexington County Fire Service is also addressing its training needs. Fire Chief Kyle Minick noted that their current training facility is “bursting at the seams.” The county’s population has grown nearly 7% in the last four years, which has led to plans for a new training facility to better accommodate firefighters and EMS trainees.
Recently, the Lexington County Council approved a $2 million bid for a joint training facility intended for both fire services and EMS. This facility is expected to enhance operations and support community needs. It will provide essential features, such as fire truck bays, classrooms, and a computer lab, benefiting both local departments and organizations like FEMA during emergencies.
Currently, firefighter and EMS recruits undergo a 26-week program that is constrained to only two classrooms, often forcing them to use EMS classroom space for training. The new facility aims to add additional classrooms that can accommodate 30 to 40 students and host training sessions for current personnel. Firefighters are required to complete 192 training hours each year alongside their regular responsibilities.
Community members, including Lilly Williams, have expressed gratitude toward first responders and the improvements being made in training facilities. The completion of the new training center is expected by the end of 2026.
In addition to the new training center, two new fire departments are also under construction in Lexington County, with projected completion by summer 2026.
These combined efforts reflect a broader commitment to enhancing fire safety and emergency response capabilities in Lexington County, especially in light of recent tragic events.
FAQ
What happened in Lexington County on Sunday?
A fire heavily damaged a two-story home in the Park Road area, and the situation prompted traffic detours.
Were there any injuries reported in the Park Road fire?
No injuries were reported from the fire incident on Park Road.
What other fire incidents have occurred in Lexington County?
A 2-year-old girl died in a fire on Canal Drive, and a 65-year-old woman was found dead in a separate fire in West Columbia. Investigations into both incidents are underway.
What improvements are being made to firefighter training in Lexington County?
Lexington County is planning to build a new $2 million joint training facility for fire services and EMS to accommodate the growing population and enhance training opportunities.
When is the new training center expected to be completed?
The completion of the new training center is expected by the end of 2026.
Key Features of Upcoming Training Facility
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fire Truck Bays | Space for housing and maintaining fire trucks |
| Classrooms | Multiple classrooms to accommodate training for 30-40 students |
| Computer Lab | Facility for enhanced learning and emergency response training |
| Annual Training Hours | Firefighters required to complete 192 hours of training each year |
| Completion Timeline | Expected by end of 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
West Columbia Fire Claims Life of 65-Year-Old Woman
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Richland County Deputy Trainee Arrested for DUI
Columbia Faces Severe Water Main Breaks Following Cold Snap
Debate Grows over Proposed Lexington Subdivision
Lexington Reviews Proposal for 308-Home Subdivision
Columbia’s Homeless Court Program Transforms Lives
Lightning Strike Causes Devastating Fire in Columbia Neighborhood
Lightning Strike Causes Fire, Displacing Residents in Columbia
Traffic Disruptions on I-20 in Lexington County Due to Accidents
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Lexington County House Fire
- WISTV: Lexington County Firefighter EMS Training Facility
- WLTX: Lexington County Fire EMS Training Hub
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
