News Summary
Residents near the Atlantic Sands apartment complex have filed a lawsuit against owner Ann Lusk following a major fire on Christmas Day 2024. The legal action alleges negligence and lack of fire safety measures, resulting in the total destruction of the building and displacement of tenants. Plaintiffs Jose and Claudia Garcia report over $200,000 in damages to their adjacent home due to fire-related destruction. The case raises serious concerns over property management standards and tenant safety in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach – Neighbors of the Atlantic Sands apartment complex have initiated legal action against the property owner, Ann Lusk, in response to a devastating fire that took place on Christmas Day 2024. Filed on May 5, the lawsuit alleges negligence, violation of South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, and a hazardous nuisance, highlighting the absence of critical fire safety measures within the complex.
The fire, which erupted at 308 2nd Ave. N., produced a significant plume of smoke that could be seen from miles away and led to the total destruction of the building. All 19 tenants residing in the complex were displaced as a result of the incident. Among those affected are plaintiffs Jose and Claudia Garcia, who occupy an adjacent property at 306 2nd Ave. N. The Garcias reported over $200,000 in damages to their home due to the fire, which inflicted damage to window frames and shingles, melted siding, and destroyed their vinyl fence. Complicating repair efforts is the presence of asbestos in their home, as pointed out in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims that the Atlantic Sands complex lacked essential fire protection equipment, such as fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, and smoke alarms in all units. At the time of the fire, there was reportedly no management present on-site to respond to the emergency. Furthermore, the Garcias assert that the Atlantic Sands apartment was not properly registered to conduct business in South Carolina, raising additional concerns regarding its operation.
As they pursue their case, the Garcias are requesting a jury trial, seeking damages that encompass not only the repair costs and damages to their property but also attorney’s fees and additional litigation costs. The legal claim underscores a broader issue of property management standards and tenant safety in Myrtle Beach, a popular tourist destination.
Originally established as a mom-and-pop motel, the Atlantic Sands complex was transformed into an apartment building by Lusk. This conversion, coupled with the allegation of neglect regarding fire safety protocols, has drawn significant scrutiny from the local community. The ensuing fire, while tragic, has now sparked a dialogue about the responsibilities of property owners to ensure the safety of their tenants and the surrounding neighbors.
The details surrounding the incident highlight growing concerns about the adequacy of fire safety measures in residential buildings, particularly those converted from their original purposes. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is anticipated that they will shed further light on the regulations governing residential properties in South Carolina and the responsibilities of landlords to uphold safety standards for the well-being of their tenants.
The fire that occurred in Myrtle Beach not only ravaged the Atlantic Sands complex but also left a profound impact on the local neighborhood, displacing families and raising questions regarding the preparedness of property management in emergency situations. As the lawsuit progresses, the outcome may set a significant precedent for future cases involving negligence and safety violations in residential properties.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach Couple Claims Christmas Day Fire Ruined Their Home
- Myrtle Beach Online: Couple Files Lawsuit After Fire
- Scripps News: South Carolina Woman Arrested in Connection to Wildfire
- Fox News: Myrtle Beach Woman Ignited Wildfire
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
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.
