Viral South Carolina Halloween Display Mistaken for Real Fire Sparks Repeated 911 Calls
FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. — A South Carolina family’s Halloween decorations have gone viral after their elaborate setup — which makes their home look like it’s engulfed in flames — was so realistic that neighbors repeatedly called the fire department.
Viral Halloween Display Causes a Stir
The house on North Main Street in Fountain Inn was featured in a widely shared TikTok video showing what appeared to be a home fully ablaze. The clip quickly racked up thousands of views after users realized the fiery scene was actually a clever Halloween illusion created using lights, projectors, and fog effects.
The original post by user @themillerstok included a caption clarifying the situation:
“This house looked like it was on fire and the owners have asked that people stop calling the fire department because it’s just a Halloween decoration in Fountain Inn, SC.”
Fire Department Responds to Multiple Calls
According to WYFF News 4, the Fountain Inn Fire Department has received multiple calls and visits from concerned passersby since the display went up. Fire Chief Alexander Russell confirmed that some people even drove directly to the fire station, which is only a block away from the home.
Chief Russell said the homeowners had informed the department in advance that their display could be mistaken for an emergency. “They were proactive and told us what to expect,” he said, adding that the display is safe and not an actual fire hazard.
Homeowners Invite the Public — But Ask for Calm
In a Facebook post, the homeowners invited the community to enjoy the decorations nightly from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Halloween night. They also politely asked visitors to refrain from calling 911 about the display, assuring everyone that the “fire” is entirely theatrical.
The realistic illusion has made the home one of the most talked-about Halloween attractions in the Upstate this year, with locals praising the family’s creativity while applauding the fire department’s patience.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel invites readers to share photos of creative Halloween displays in their area or report similar viral community stories at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
