News Summary
On Christmas Day, a devastating fire at the Atlantic Sands Hotel in Myrtle Beach displaced 19 residents, impacting the local community deeply. Fortunately, all residents evacuated safely with no injuries reported. Amid this tragedy, the community has rallied together, with local businesses like Grand Strand Brewing Company stepping up to provide support and temporary housing for the victims. Efforts are ongoing to assist those affected as the investigation into the cause of the fire begins.
Myrtle Beach Rallies Together After Hotel Fire on Christmas Day
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a fire broke out on Christmas Day at the Atlantic Sands Hotel in Myrtle Beach, S.C., leaving a lasting impact on the community. This unforeseeable incident forced 19 individuals out of their homes, and the local residents are coming together to support the victims during this challenging time.
The Fire Incident
The fire erupted in the early afternoon, with local fire authorities receiving the alarm around 2:40 p.m.. Approximately 30 fire personnel rushed to the scene to combat the blaze. Witnesses described the heat as intense, making it almost unbearable to stand close to the flames. One onlooker even noted that they felt their eyebrows were at risk due to the fiery inferno.
One of the victims, Jorden, was an employee at Grand Strand Brewing Company and lived on the first floor of the affected hotel. Initially, she thought the smell of smoke was the result of cooking from fellow guests, but quickly realized the danger when neighbors urged her to evacuate.
The Aftermath
As the fire spread rapidly, it left significant damage in its wake. Fortunately, Capt. Jon Evans from the Myrtle Beach Fire Department confirmed that all residents managed to evacuate safely, and there were no reported injuries. However, the tragic event left Jorden and many others in a painful situation.
Community Support Shines Bright
One shining light amid the devastation is the Grand Strand Brewing Company, led by owner Clayton Burrous. The brewery has reached out to support the victims, especially Jorden and her boyfriend, by providing them with temporary living space in an unoccupied apartment above the brewery.
Seeing the struggles many are facing, Grand Strand Brewing has also organized 50/50 raffles to generate funds for the displaced victims. The brewery is accepting donations as they work to help everyone start anew in the upcoming year. Burrous remarked on Jorden and her boyfriend’s resilience, as they navigate their challenges with an inspiring positive outlook.
Additional Community Efforts
The community hasn’t hesitated in lending a helping hand. Two nearby inns, the Midtown Inn and Sea Gypsy Inn, have opened their doors to accommodate those affected by the fire until January 1, providing crucial relief during this tough time. Local organizations and churches, including Pastor Tim Carter and others, have sprung into action to provide immediate support and clothing for those impacted.
Relief Efforts Continue
As the Red Cross steps in to assist the 19 displaced residents with their immediate needs, the entire community holds its breath for an investigation into the fire’s cause. Authorities have indicated that the severity of the damage will likely prolong the investigation.
In addition to the distress of the hotel fire, the community is grappling with news of an unrelated incident at a Tyson Foods plant, where an explosion left at least one person presumed dead. While these two events are distinct, they exemplify the challenges the local community is facing.
A Hopeful Future
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Myrtle Beach’s compassionate community resonates loudly. With so many individuals pitching in to help, there’s a silver lining of hope that comes from the combined efforts of local businesses and residents. As donations continue to pour in, there’s a renewed sense of community spirit as they rally together to support those who have faced unimaginable loss during this holiday season.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- WRDW News
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach hotel fire
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
