Bluffton Township Fire District earns sixth consecutive Fire Safe SC designation

The Bluffton Township Fire District has been recognized as a Fire Safe South Carolina Community for the sixth year in a row, affirming its continued commitment to fire prevention, safety education and community risk reduction.

The district received its official designation during a ceremony held Friday, June 13th, at the 2025 South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach. Bluffton was among 208 fire departments statewide honored for leadership in reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities.

“This recognition reflects years of dedication from our team and strong partnerships throughout the community,” said Battalion Chief Terry Sheriff, who oversees the district’s Community Risk Reduction Division. “Being a Fire Safe SC Community means we don’t wait for emergencies to happen—we work to prevent them.”

The Fire Safe SC program highlights departments that excel in fire data reporting, public education and strategic outreach. Bluffton Township Fire District has maintained the designation each year since 2019.

Serving the town of Bluffton and unincorporated areas of southern Beaufort County—excluding Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island—the district protects about 76,000 residents and thousands of annual visitors.

Prevention-focused programs lead outreach
A core focus of the Fire Safe SC initiative is home fire safety, particularly the use of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, fire extinguishers and family escape plans.

In 2024, Bluffton’s Smoke Alarm Program provided free safety support to residents, including the nstallation of 162 new smoke alarms and 25 CO alarms in 246 homes, many of which lacked existing devices. They also replaced 407 outdated smoke alarms, 400 batteries, 3 CO alarms, 25 CO alarm batteries, and installed 6 bed shaker alarms for residents who are hard of hearing, in partnership with SC State Fire.

In addition to device installation, residents received on-site education about modern fire risks and best practices for alarm use and placement.

Community engagement extends beyond fire safety
Bluffton’s Community Risk Reduction Division—led by Sheriff and supported by Public Information Officer Stephen Combs and educators Haley Frazier and Sam Dulla—also contributed to broader safety efforts throughout 2024.

Among the division’s highlights:

• Delivered 115 CPR and AED classes, training nearly 1,000 residents
• Conducted child passenger safety seat checks at multiple fire stations
• Maintained and expanded public access to AEDs in support of Bluffton’s Heart Safe Community initiative
• Reached more than 30,000 people through over 100 community events, including safety presentations, school visits and station tours
• The division aligns its programs with national Vision 20/20 strategies and Fire Safe SC standards to promote proactive safety engagement throughout the region.

“Recognition is an honor—but the real impact is in the lives we make safer every day,” Sheriff said.
For more information about Bluffton Township Fire District programs or to request free services, visit www.blufftonfd.com.