South Carolina Woman Dies Amid Fire from Microwaved Foil-Wrapped Food
Tragic Incident in Sumter County
Thommie Jackson, a 67-year-old woman in Sumter County, South Carolina, lost her life in a house fire sparked by a foil-wrapped sandwich heated in a microwave. The incident occurred at Jackson’s residence in the evening of May 23. Jackson lived in the home with her sister, who managed to escape the impending fire.
Fire Sparked By Microwaved Foil
According to a statement issued by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the fire was initiated when one of the two women attempted to warm up a sandwich, wrapped in foil, inside a microwave oven. The U.S. Department of Agriculture asserts that the microwaves in such ovens are incapable of penetrating through metal to heat the food and can potentially ignite flames on and among the foil.
Delayed Emergency Response
The Sheriff’s Office noted that unidentified “poor living conditions” within the Jackson residence created barriers for the firefighters and deputies trying to extinguish the blaze. Responders forcefully opened a door in attempts to enter the house but were held back by an onslaught of thick, choking smoke.
Estranged Sister Outside the House>
Ms. Jackson’s sister, who had successfully evacuated the house, informed the first responders to inspect the window of a room where she suspected Ms. Jackson might be.
Tragic Outcome
Emergency personnel successfully recovered Ms. Jackson from the house, and she was immediately transported to a local hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Ms. Jackson passed away. The exact cause of her death is yet to be determined. The fire remains classified as accidental by the SCSO.
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.
