Updated 11:45 a.m. Thursday
Betty Smith Bryant, 63, has been charged with first degree arson after allegedly setting fire to the home, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. The fire allegedly stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Three people escaped a burning home on Dothan Road Tuesday, and officials are searching for the person who allegedly set the fire.
Two firefighters called to the blaze were transported to Columbus Regional after a section of the roof collapsed on them during the fire, officials said.
Kenneth Lorenzo Pierce told investigators that a person he knows set fire to the home while Pierce, Michael hill and Cornelia Johnson were inside, the sheriff’s office reported. All three escaped without injury. The doublewide home at 6373 Dothan Road was completely destroyed.
Deputy Fire Marshall Chase Lancaster said firefighters from Tabor City and Nakina were assisted by Waccamaw VFD form Brunswick County.
“We had a good response and a quick knockdown,” he said “Everybody did a great job working together.”
He also praised the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and cooperation.
“I can’t say enough about how the sheriff’s office was there and how good they are to work with,” he said.
The sheriff’s office and fire marshal are investigating.
