Greenwood, S.C., September 23, 2025
News Summary
A fire broke out at a residence on Hitt Street on Christmas morning, endangering the lives of four individuals. Quick response from deputies led to the rescue of one trapped resident, Brett Boozer, and a dog. Firefighters are investigating the cause, while the incident emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness and response.
Greenwood, S.C. – A fire broke out on Christmas morning at a residence located on Hitt Street, posing a serious threat to the lives of those inside the home. The Greenwood City Fire Department received an emergency call at 4:41 a.m. and quickly dispatched teams to the scene where heavy smoke and flames were visible from the front of the house upon arrival.
Deputy James Grizzle and Sgt. Alex Rhodes from the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the incident. Upon their arrival, they discovered that one individual had successfully escaped the fire, but three others remained trapped inside. Among those trapped, two individuals managed to exit the home without assistance. However, Brett Boozer, who had recently undergone hip surgery, was still confined to his bedroom.
Deputies Grizzle and Rhodes entered the smoke-filled home, using flashlights to navigate the poor visibility in their search for Boozer. Their quick actions were crucial, as they located Boozer and guided him out to safety. During their escape, the deputies experienced a significant explosion caused by the ongoing fire, underscoring the perilous situation inside the home.
The efficiency and bravery displayed by the deputies have been credited with saving Boozer’s life. In addition to saving the trapped residents, firefighters also successfully rescued a dog from the blaze, which was later reunited with its owner. The Greenwood County Fire Department worked diligently to extinguish the flames and control the situation.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by authorities. While the incident resulted in considerable property damage, the quick response from the emergency services saved lives, highlighting the importance of preparedness and timely action in such critical situations.
Fire Incident Details
- Location: Hitt Street, Greenwood, S.C.
- Time of Call: 4:41 a.m., Christmas morning
- Number of Individuals Trapped: 3
- Individuals Rescued: 1 (Brett Boozer) and a dog
- First Responders: Greenwood City Fire Department and deputies from the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office
- Investigation Status: Ongoing
Background Context
In the face of emergencies, the preparedness and quick action of law enforcement and fire service personnel can make all the difference. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by house fires and the crucial nature of effective emergency response systems. Communities are encouraged to have smoke detectors installed, have an emergency escape plan, and practice fire safety measures all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the fire on Hitt Street break out?
The fire broke out at 4:41 a.m. on Christmas morning.
How many people were trapped inside the house?
Three individuals were trapped inside the house.
What was the condition of Brett Boozer during the rescue?
Brett Boozer was trapped in his bedroom and had recently undergone hip surgery.
Was the dog rescued from the fire?
Yes, firefighters rescued a dog from the fire, and it was later reunited with its owner.
Is the cause of the fire known?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Residential Fire |
| Location | Hitt Street, Greenwood, S.C. |
| Time of Incident | 4:41 a.m. on Christmas Day |
| Individuals Trapped | 3 individuals |
| Rescued Individuals | 1 (Brett Boozer) and a dog |
| First Responders | Greenwood City Fire Department, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- Cremation Society of South Carolina: Brett Boozer Obituary
- Fox Carolina: Structure Fire Occupants Trapped on Christmas Day
- Legacy: Greenwood Obituaries
- GoLaurens: Arrest Report
- Wikipedia: House Fire
- Google Search: Fire Safety
- Google Scholar: Fire Rescue Techniques
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- Google News: Fire Incidents
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood 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 the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
