Conway, SC, January 28, 2026
A minor fire at Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Conway campus led to the swift evacuation of students. The fire originated in the welding exhaust system but was contained by the college’s fire suppression system. Emergency services confirmed no injuries, and the area will remain closed for inspections.
Conway
Fire Prompts Evacuation at Horry-Georgetown Technical College Campus
Students were safely evacuated from the Conway campus of Horry-Georgetown Technical College on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following a minor fire that originated in an external welding exhaust system. Emergency crews from Horry County Fire Rescue and the Conway Fire Department responded to the incident at the Advanced Manufacturing Center Welding Lab, where the college’s integrated fire suppression system had already contained the blaze.
The fire, which occurred around 1:41 p.m. at the Allied Drive location of the Welding Lab, prompted immediate safety protocols. The college’s internal fire suppression system activated as designed within the exhaust system, effectively containing the minor fire. This swift containment, coupled with the organized evacuation, ensured that all students and personnel were safely removed from the building without any reported injuries.
The event, though swiftly managed, underscores the critical importance of robust safety infrastructure and preparedness within educational institutions. The coordinated response of both campus systems and local emergency services minimized potential harm, allowing a moment of unforeseen disruption to transition into an orderly process of assessment and recovery. Such instances bring into quiet focus the human considerations inherent in communal spaces, where safety is a shared trust. The absence of injury provides a measure of quiet reassurance in the face of sudden alarm.
Response and Ongoing Assessment
Upon receiving the alert, both Horry County Fire Rescue and the Conway Fire Department were dispatched to the scene, where they confirmed the efficacy of the college’s internal fire suppression system. Their presence ensured that the area was thoroughly checked and secured. For precautionary reasons, the affected area, specifically the Advanced Manufacturing Center Welding Lab, will remain closed while inspections are conducted to ascertain the full extent of any damage and to confirm the structural integrity of the facility.
College officials have indicated that the impact on classes in the affected area cannot be fully determined until all required inspections are completed and approval for re-entry is granted. This measured approach reflects a commitment to prioritizing safety over expediency, allowing for a thorough evaluation before resuming normal operations. The methodical process of investigation and inspection is a quiet yet essential part of maintaining a secure environment for learning and work.
Commitment to Campus Safety
This incident at Horry-Georgetown Technical College serves as a vivid reminder of the continuous dedication required for campus safety. Educational facilities are dynamic environments that necessitate constant vigilance and sophisticated safety measures to protect their communities. The prompt and effective functioning of the fire suppression system, alongside the disciplined evacuation, highlights the tangible results of investing in comprehensive safety planning and training. Such events, while unwelcome, offer a poignant illustration of the systems and human responses that work in concert to safeguard individuals within larger communities. The quiet dignity of an orderly evacuation, and the calm professionalism of emergency responders, speak to a deep-seated human concern for the well-being of others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Where did the fire occur?
- The fire occurred at the Advanced Manufacturing Center Welding Lab on the Conway campus of Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
- When did the fire break out?
- The fire broke out on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, around 1:41 p.m.
- What caused the fire?
- The fire was a minor incident within the external welding exhaust system on the exterior of the Advanced Manufacturing Center Welding Lab.
- Were students evacuated?
- Yes, students were safely evacuated from the building for safety.
- Were there any injuries?
- No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
- Which emergency services responded?
- Horry County Fire Rescue and Conway Fire Department responded to the scene.
- What is the current status of the affected area?
- The area will remain closed while inspections are completed, and the college will assess any damage and the impact on classes.
Key Features of the Conway College Campus Fire Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Advanced Manufacturing Center Welding Lab, Conway campus of Horry-Georgetown Technical College |
| Date and Time | Tuesday, January 27, 2026, around 1:41 p.m. |
| Nature of Fire | Minor fire within the external welding exhaust system |
| Containment Method | Automatic activation of college’s fire suppression system |
| Evacuation | Students safely evacuated |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Responding Agencies | Horry County Fire Rescue, Conway Fire Department |
| Current Status | Area closed for inspections; impact on classes to be determined |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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