Cleveland Rural Fire Department - Oconee County, SC

The South Carolina Forestry Commission wishes you a SAFE and happy Fourth of July weekend! Dry conditions continue impacting areas across the state, and safety is key when celebrating with outdoor activities, including fireworks. Remember, fireworks CAN start wildfires!
⁠
✅ Keep an eye on local weather conditions and exercise extra caution during dry weather.⁠
✅ Use fireworks outdoors only and stay away from people, houses, flammable objects, dry grass, fields and forests.⁠
✅ Place used fireworks in a bucket of water.

❄️ Cooling Center Opening ❄️

Oconee County Emergency Management will be opening a cooling center at 1016 Overbrook Drive in Seneca, at the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP).

This will be opening today at noon through 8pm, daily, through Saturday the 4th.

The shelter will be supported by Oconee County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Department of Social Services, the American Red Cross, Seneca Police Department, and Seneca COGOP.

For further information please contact Emergency Management at:

864-364-5901
864-364-5905
[email protected]

Please remember to stay cool and hydrated as you enjoy your holiday weekend.


Oconee County, SC
Oconee County Sheriff's Office - SC
Visit Oconee SC - Oconee County, South Carolina
Oconee County Solid Waste & Recycling
Seneca Police Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cleveland Rural Fire Department Responds to Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

CLEVELAND COMMUNITY, S.C. — The Cleveland Rural Fire Department is currently operating at the scene of a train derailment involving a Norfolk Southern train near mile marker 540. The original call for service was dispatched at 6:16pm.

At this time, there have been no reported injuries, and officials have confirmed that no hazardous materials are leaking from the derailment. Fire personnel are actively monitoring the scene to ensure the safety of the public and surrounding area.

Cleveland Rural Fire Department units will remain on location until representatives from Norfolk Southern Railroad arrive to assess the incident and coordinate recovery operations.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our responding partner agencies for their assistance and continued commitment to public safety:

Holly Springs Fire Department
Westminster Fire Department
Oconee Emergency Services
Westminster Rescue Squad
Mountain Rest Rescue Squad
Oconee County Sheriffs Office
Prisma EMS
Norfolk Southern Railroad

The safety of our community remains our highest priority. Additional information will be released as it becomes available by Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Media Contact:
Travis V. Collins - Fire Chief
Sawyer Gambrell - Public Information
Cleveland Rural Fire Department
684 Cleveland Pike Road
Westminster, SC 29693

Happy Father’s Day from Cleveland Rural Fire Department Station #10!

Today, we honor all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who lead with strength, serve with dedication, and love with unwavering commitment.

Whether you’re protecting your family at home, serving your community, or answering the call when others need help, your sacrifice and leadership make a lasting difference.

To all the dads in our department and throughout our community, thank you for the example you set each day. We wish you a blessed and happy Father’s Day filled with love, family, and appreciation.

“Train hard. Serve proudly. Love deeply.”

— Cleveland Rural Fire Department Station #10

⸻
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cleveland Rural Fire Department Enhances Firefighter Safety and Operational Readiness Through V-SAFE Grant Funding

WESTMINSTER, S.C. — Cleveland Rural Fire Department is proud to announce the successful completion of several equipment and facility improvements made possible through funding received from South Carolina’s Volunteer Strategic Assistance and Fire Equipment (V-SAFE) Program.

Established by the South Carolina General Assembly, the V-SAFE Program provides critical funding to volunteer and combination fire departments across the state to improve firefighter safety, operational readiness, and emergency response capabilities.

For the 2026 funding cycle, the V-SAFE Program distributed $5,586,000 to 380 volunteer and combination fire departments across South Carolina’s 44 counties. Eligible departments received equal funding allocations of $14,700 to support essential operational needs, including protective equipment, fire suppression tools, communications equipment, rescue equipment, and training.

“V-SAFE ensures South Carolina’s volunteer and combination fire departments have the equipment and resources they need to operate safely and effectively,” said South Carolina State Fire Marshal Jonathan Jones. “This program represents a continued commitment to firefighter safety, operational readiness, and the ability of these departments to serve their communities with confidence.”

Through this funding, Cleveland Rural Fire Department was able to make several important investments that directly enhance its ability to protect lives and property throughout the community.

The department upgraded its firefighting capabilities through the purchase of HEN nozzles, which are designed to deliver increased water flow while operating at lower pressures. This technology improves fire suppression effectiveness while helping reduce firefighter fatigue during emergency operations.

Funding also provided for the purchase of a new set of structural firefighting turnout gear, replacing equipment that had reached the end of its National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommended 10-year service life. This investment ensures firefighters continue to have safe and reliable personal protective equipment while responding to emergencies.

In addition, the department improved its office and workspace areas, creating a more functional environment for training, report preparation, administrative tasks, and daily operations. These enhancements provide members with a more efficient and professional workspace to support the department’s mission.

The grant further funded the purchase of fourteen new sections of 3-inch and 1¾-inch fire hose, ensuring the department maintains adequate replacement hose when frontline hose becomes damaged, heavily used, or reaches the end of its service life.

“We are grateful for the continued support provided through the V-SAFE Program,” said Chief Travis Collins. “These investments directly improve firefighter safety, strengthen our operational capabilities, and help ensure we remain prepared to serve our community whenever called upon.”

The department would also like to recognize Chris Howard of AEST, Misty Hardy of Kimbrell’s Furniture, Treasurer Doug Moore, Secretary Sawyer Gambrell, and Chief Travis Collins for their dedication in researching equipment options, securing competitive pricing, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Cleveland Rural Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to the citizens of the community for their continued support and trust. Their encouragement makes it possible for the department to continue improving services and providing professional emergency response to the residents and visitors of the Cleveland community.

For additional information about the South Carolina V-SAFE Program, visit:

https://statefire.llr.sc.gov/osfm/vsafe.aspx

Media Contact
Travis Collins-Chief
Sawyer Gambrell-Secretary
Cleveland Rural Fire Department – Station 10
684 Cleveland Pike Road
Westminster, South Carolina 29693

🔥 🚒 👨‍🚒 🚨🧯🎁

On Friday evening May 22, 2026, the Cleveland Rural Fire Department was alerted to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of Berry Farm Road. This call came in around 2000 hours. Upon arrival of first arriving units heavy smoke was found coming from the rear of the structure. 10-05 (FF Gambrell) arrived on scene and assumed command with a crew going interior to locate the fire. A second alarm was sounded for manpower with 10-01 (Chief Collins) arriving and being given command. The fire was brought under control in approximately 25 minutes with crews remaining on scene for nearly 3 hours removing smoke and mopping up the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Thankfully, there were no injuries to the occupants or the pets of the home. Strong work by over 40 VOLUNTEERS on the scene. Please keep the affected family and responders in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you to all of our sister agencies for your quick response.

Units responding:
1st Alarm
Cleveland Fire Engine 10-1, Tanker 10
Holly Springs Fire Engine 24, Tanker 24, Truck 24
Westminster Fire Engine 63, Squad 6, Chief 6
Oconee County Squad 1, Battalion 1, Air Trailer, Fire 3, ES 1
Oconee County Sheriffs Office
Westminster Rescue 5 Alpha and 5 Charlie

2nd Alarm
Five Forks Engine 19
Oakway Fire Engine 1A, Service 1
South Union Fire Tanker 15
Shiloh (GA) Fire Engine 6, Squad 6, Platform 6, Engine 15-1

**Not an actual photo of the fire**

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