NCPD Multi-Day Response to Woods Fire and Encampment – I-26 / Weber Blvd Area
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2026
City of North Charleston
2500 City Hall Lane
North Charleston, SC 29406
MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Tassarotti
843-740-2515
Multi-Day Response to Woods Fire and Encampment – I-26 / Weber Blvd Area
The North Charleston Police Department, in coordination with the North Charleston Fire Department and regional partners, has responded to an ongoing public safety situation involving a woods fire and an unhoused encampment in the area of Interstate 26 eastbound near Weber Boulevard and Blue House Road between April 20 and April 22, 2026.
April 20, 2026 – Initial Fire Response
An NCPD officer on patrol observed what appeared to be a brush fire in a wooded area. The fire was determined to be originating from a large, unhoused encampment.
The North Charleston Fire Department responded along with NCPD, and aerial support from Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Air 1 estimated the original fire at approximately 1 acre, but spreading quickly. Officers located four individuals within the encampment and removed them safely.
During the incident, multiple propane tanks inside the encampment exploded, creating a significant hazard and forcing a temporary evacuation of first responders. The South Carolina Forestry Commission, operating under an active burn ban issued April 17, 2026, responded with specialized equipment, including a bulldozer to establish a fire line. The fire was contained but burned for several hours.
The investigation determined the fire originated when Rodney Allen Low attempted to ignite a propane tank. As a result:
- Rodney Allen Low was arrested and charged with Negligently Allowing Fire to Spread to Lands or Property of Another and Trespassing
- One additional individual was arrested on unrelated warrants through South Carolina Probation and Parole
- Two individuals were released and advised of trespassing
April 21, 2026 – Follow-Up and Monitoring
The North Charleston Fire Department continued to monitor the area for 24 hours. Property management and ownership were contacted and confirmed that no individuals had permission to be on the property. It was determined that any persons on site would be trespassing, and steps were initiated to secure the area.
NCPD conducted follow-up checks of the encampment and initially found no individuals present. Later that afternoon, multiple calls were received regarding the fire potentially reigniting; however, those reports were determined to be unfounded.
During one of the checks, a single individual was located in the encampment and was advised to immediately remove her belongings from the property.
April 22, 2026 – Reoccupation and Enforcement Action
On April 22, 2026, NCPD and NCFD responded again after the fire reignited. Officers located eight individuals inside the encampment, along with approximately 12 propane tanks and gas containers, presenting a renewed and significant fire hazard. The South Carolina Forestry Commission responded again with specialized equipment, including a bulldozer to establish a larger fire line
As a result of continued violations and safety concerns:
- Six individuals were arrested for City Code Sec. 9-68 – Causing, Contributing to, or Permitting a Nuisance
- One individual was arrested on narcotics-related warrants out of Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office
- One individual was released with a trespass notice
Impact to Property and Cleanup Efforts
The fire ultimately damaged approximately three acres of privately owned property. In addition to the fire damage, a significant amount of trash and debris associated with the encampment is spread across the area and will require substantial resources to remove and remediate.
The City is working with property owners and partner agencies to address cleanup, secure the property, and prevent further hazards.
Public Safety and Community Responsibility
The City of North Charleston recognizes the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. Officers made multiple contacts over several days and provided individuals opportunities to safely leave the area and remove their belongings.
At the same time, the repeated use of open flames, the presence of propane tanks, and the reoccupation of the site created an ongoing and escalating fire risk.
This situation placed the individuals in the encampment, first responders, nearby residents, and surrounding property in danger. Enforcement action was taken only after continued safety concerns and repeated violations.
The City remains committed to working with community partners to support individuals in need while addressing conditions that pose a risk to public safety. Officers work with Brandon Lilienthal, City of North Charleston Housing Coordinator, who is familiar to many of the individuals involved. Efforts included directing individuals toward available services and assistance.
Steps are being taken to secure the property. The City is also coordinating efforts to return personal property to individuals following their release from the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Statement from Captain J.C. Holt, North Bureau Commander
“This was a dangerous situation that escalated quickly due to the presence of open flames and multiple fuel sources inside the encampment. Our officers and firefighters worked together to contain the fire and protect lives.
We understand the challenges faced by members of our unhoused community, and we approach these situations with empathy. However, when conditions create a clear risk to life and property especially during an active burn ban, we have a responsibility to act.
Our focus is always to balance compassion with accountability. In this case, repeated fire hazards and continued trespassing required enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”
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