The following statement was released on Tuesday June 6, 2023 concerning the origin and cause investigation into the 3-Alarm fire that occurred at Tropical Ridge Apartments.
Immediately following the devastating 3-Alarm Fire that took place at Tropical Ridge Apartments on May 26, 2023 – the Columbia Fire Department brought in support from several outside agencies. These partners provided resources to support the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire and included the Columbia Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina State Fire and the SC State Fire Marshal’s Office, South Carolina Task Force 1 and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team. It is very typical for this many agencies to become involved in a fire investigation following an incident of this scale.
Given the tremendous impact of the fire, the injuries that several firefighters suffered and the loss of Irmo Firefighter James Muller’s life – our department wanted to have the most resources available to us as we conducted the investigation. This included resources that were used to sustain the structural integrity of the building where the fire took place so the investigation could be performed thoroughly and safely. Through our federal partners, several cranes and other tools were brought onto the site to accomplish this objective.
The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire has now been completed and it has been determined that the fire started around a stove in the kitchen area of one of the apartments. The fire was caused by unattended cooking materials and it has been ruled an accident.
Going forward our department will continue to provide resources, information and support to other agencies that will investigate circumstances surrounding the fatal fire and the line of duty death of Firefighter Muller. This includes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Investigations like this also typically take place following a firefighter line of duty death.
“The Columbia Fire Department has and will continue to provide needed information and resources in support of all investigations into what happened on May 26, 2023,” said Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins. “While it has been determined that this fire was accidental in nature, the impact it caused is no less deep and tragic. Our hearts continue to be with Firefighter Muller’s family and friends, our partners at Irmo Fire District and all who continue to mourn during this difficult time.”
