Sumter fire ravages vacant industrial building overnight

SUMTER, S.C. — Officials say a large fire at a vacant industrial building is extinguished after burning for hours overnight.

A Sumter Fire Department spokesperson said the call came in around 10:25 p.m. to an old roof on the corner of Dingle and South Sumter streets. Authorities said the roughly 20,000-square-foot building, constructed of mass timber with a brick facade, was already burning heavily when they arrived and the fire was spreading quickly.

Between 50 and 60 firefighters battled the blaze, which took about an hour and a half to bring under control due to construction and old materials left inside the building. Firefighters remained on scene until 6 a.m., authorities said. During the response, Sumter Fire also advised drivers to avoid the area.

Although this building was considered a total loss, firefighters protected another nearby industrial building and a crematorium, both of which were threatened by the fire.

Authorities reported no injuries in the fire. The cause is still under investigation.

A man was transported to an area hospital, where he died. Now deputies want to know who shot him.

Dominion Energy announces major changes to Lake Murray Park

Winnsboro woman wins after purchasing lottery ticket at local store