South Carolina EMS Employee Charged After Allegedly Setting Fire to His Own Station While on Duty
MCCOLL, S.C. — Authorities in South Carolina have arrested an EMS employee accused of intentionally setting fire to the emergency medical services facility where he was working, according to the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies identified the suspect as Hunter McDaniel, who allegedly used an electric heater and clothing to start the blaze inside the EMS building in McColl. Investigators said the fire was willfully and maliciously set while McDaniel was on duty.
Fire Damages EMS Facility and Endangers Lives
According to the sheriff’s office, the fire caused significant damage inside the building, posing serious risk to both a fellow coworker and responding firefighters. Officials said the flames also resulted in structural damage to the facility before being brought under control.
“This incident could have easily turned tragic,” deputies stated, noting that the actions not only endangered property but also jeopardized the safety of other first responders on scene.
Investigation Still Underway
McDaniel has been charged with second-degree arson, a felony offense under South Carolina law. The charge indicates the fire was intentionally set and resulted in damage to a structure.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has joined the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation as officials work to determine why the fire was started. Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive, but emphasized that the act appears to have been deliberate.
Serious Consequences for Public Safety
Authorities say incidents like this are rare but highlight the danger that malicious actions inside emergency service facilities can pose to community safety. The Marlboro County EMS building plays a vital role in local emergency response, and its partial loss could have disrupted medical dispatch services had the fire spread further.
As of now, no injuries have been reported, and county officials are assessing the extent of the structural and operational impact.
McDaniel remains in custody as the investigation continues.
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