A massive multi-alarm fire at an apartment complex in Columbia on Friday May 26, 2023 would result in one of the darkest days in recent years for the South Carolina fire service.
One firefighter with the Irmo Fire District was killed and seven other firefighters were left injured while fighting the fire at Tropical Ridge apartments off of Stoneridge Drive. Crews were engaged in fire suppression efforts inside a building on the property when a structural collapse occurred.
Irmo Firefighter James Michael Muller died from the injuries he suffered in the collapse and two other IFD firefighters were also injured in the incident. Five firefighters with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department also suffered injuries as well as two civilian tenants of the apartment building.
IFD Firefighter James Michael Muller
Crews with both CRFD and the Irmo Fire District initially responded to the complex shortly before 4:15 p.m. Due to the size and scale of the fire, officers would quickly call for a 2nd Alarm not long after arriving on scene. A 3rd alarm was issued after a mayday was called following the structural collapse.
In all roughly 20 firetrucks and more than 60 personnel became involved in the operation. Members of the West Columbia Fire Department, Cayce Fire Department, Richland County EMS and the Columbia Police Department also provided support on scene.
The fire was ultimately extinguished and its cause is currently being investigated by CRFD with the assistance of SLED, South Carolina State Fire and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the friends, family and colleagues of Firefighter Muller as well as those firefighters who were injured and all in our community who are in mourning following this devastating incident. We deeply thank our citizens for their prayers and support in these difficult days.
