WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Man pretends to be Orangeburg Co. firefighter, breaks hose

Man pretends to be Orangeburg Co. firefighter, breaks hose

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SC (WIS) - In Orangeburg County, a would-be firefighter has officials scratching their heads. Authorities say a mystery man showed up to help fight a fire, but he did more harm than good.

"It was a grass and woods fire," says Jamison Fire Chief Kirk Davis, "eight to 10 acres of fire."

Fifteen firefighters from around Orangeburg County responded to a woods fire last Wednesday, plus one mystery firefighter.

Chief Davis says a man showed up posing as a firefighter and broke a hose, causing danger. "It was pulled across the fire and burning embers and it actually burned a hole into the hose," says Chief Davis. "Had it been a residence, somebody could have been in that residence - life and death."

At that point, firefighters realized he had no relation to the fire service.

The fire commission also says the man's car did not match the description of any county fire vehicle. And they say he rushed to the scene with red lights and sirens on.

Fire services director Gene Ball won't say who the man is, because they're not sure of his intent. "Did he have good intent when he went out there - or does he have ... the cowboy mentality of just chasing up and down ... showing someone they have authority when they really don't."

They're asking the solicitor if there can be any charges. Ball says the man left when firefighters realized he didn't belong there. But he has a message. "Don't ever let it happen in Orangeburg county or the state again."

Reported by Jennifer Wilson

Posted by Chantelle Janelle