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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins revealed the cause of an apartment fire that displaced 38 people on Tuesday.

Jenkins said the fire was accidental and started after a resident reportedly placed a towel in the oven for “medical purposes”. When the resident opened the oven door, the towel inside was on fire, and he was unable to extinguish it.

Fire alarms continued going off after the blaze ripped through an apartment building in the Broad River Trace complex on Tuesday afternoon. Crews worked on Wednesday to put out the remaining hot spots.

“I was absolutely devastated,” said Shandrea Foster, one of 38 people now without a home.

The fire broke out around 3 p.m. Tuesday, prompting nearly 65 firefighters to respond to the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Fire crews rescued three dogs and two cats, but Foster said she lost her turtle in the fire and believes her two cats are still trapped inside.

“Everything I have is in that building, including my cats that they cannot get to. So, I’m struggling right now,” Foster said.

The building remains in a fragile state, too dangerous for even firefighters to go inside and search. Crews are facing a new challenge with hidden hot spots that could reignite flames. Instead of water, they have been using fire-retardant foam to try to knock them out, dousing household items and mementos that hold precious memories for residents.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Latrice Bond, who lives in the building next door. She said the heat was so intense that it left evidence of melting on her building.

“It was getting ready to leap over. It could have done more damage,” Bond said.

Nick Gibson with the American Red Cross said they are providing support for 32 families.

“This is very devastating. We’re helping these families with their immediate needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and any financial assistance they may need in this situation,” Gibson said.

Apartment management said they are helping to relocate residents to new units. Fire crews will continue to monitor hot spots throughout the building.

WIS talked to another resident who was also displaced.

The Columbia Fire Marshal is still investigating. Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins spoke to the media at the scene on Wednesday about the fire.

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From the scenic waterfront views in "The Friendliest City in South Carolina" to lakeside camping in a quiet state park, South Carolina might be best known for its stunning Atlantic coastline access, but the state's many lakes are nothing to scoff at, either. Nestled between the cities of Columbia and Greenville, you'll find a prime example of a South Carolina lake city — the delightfully named town of Prosperity. Situated on the banks of Lake Murray, Prosperity offers small-town charm, along with a rich history and even award-winning food.

Located about a 40-minute drive from Columbia and about a 75-minute drive from Greenville, Prosperity is easily accessible for a relaxing weekend getaway — or even a day trip or special meal out if you're coming from one of these metropolises. To get here from further away, the nearest commercial airport is Columbia Metropolitan Airport, 39 miles away, which is serviced by several major airlines providing flights throughout the southeast U.S.

Enjoy delicious cuisine in Prosperity

South Carolina is known as "The Birthplace of Barbecue," and it wouldn't be a trip to the Palmetto State without sampling some. Don't skip out on a visit to Hawg Heaven Barbecue while you're in Prosperity — and come ready for a feast. At this family-owned barbecue joint, you'll find fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs, pulled pork, and quintessential barbecue side dishes like potato salad, mac and cheese, and slaw. Come for the lunch buffet deal, but know before you go that Sundays (post-church) can get busy. Thankfully, there is also a carry-out option.

If barbecue isn't your thing, grab a table at Roma's House of Pizza, where you can order Italian and Greek dishes, along with other American classics like wings and subs. Roma's is a local gem known for friendly and helpful service in addition to tasty cuisine and competitive prices. If you've got a sweet tooth (or a hankering for caffeine), you'll want to be sure to visit The Blend, a charming and welcoming coffee shop where you can sip on a cup of freshly brewed joe or indulge in a cookie, cinnamon roll, scone, cheesecake, or other sweet delight. (Time your visit on a Saturday, when there are also delectable doughnuts available.)

Explore this charming lake city's history

For a small town with a population barely over 1,000 people, Prosperity nonetheless has a vibrant history that remains a source of much local pride today. Originally, the town was named Frog Level, with this unusual moniker's provenance being a source of many myths. It likely comes from the town's size, low elevation, and large nearby frog population, but one urban legend tells a far stranger tale of a very intoxicated man, a frog infestation, and a big misunderstanding. Since 1873, it's been known as Prosperity — but relics of the town's early days are still standing.

Take a walk through the town square, where you'll see an independent drugstore that was first built in 1895, an antique gazebo and clock, and other historic structures. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to wander through the town's residential streets, where you'll spy numerous gorgeous 100-year-old houses that have been lovingly maintained. After your time in Prosperity, if you still haven't gotten enough of charming towns in the greater Lake Murray vicinity, you can always extend your trip with a pit stop in nearby Irmo, a Columbia suburb full of cafes and trails on the banks of Lake Murray.

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Columbia, SC – A spring-like weather pattern is expected to take hold across South Carolina during the February 11–17 period, bringing above-normal temperatures with potential statewide effects.

According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook strongly favors warmer-than-normal temperatures across the Southeast, including all of South Carolina. This shift follows recent winter variability and signals a period of milder mid-February conditions.

In central South Carolina, including Columbia and surrounding Midlands communities, average mid-February high temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to near 60 degrees. Forecast guidance suggests highs may frequently reach the upper 60s and even low 70s during this period. Similar warming is expected across the Lowcountry, including Charleston and Beaufort, where overnight lows are also likely to remain milder.

Across the Upstate, including Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, temperatures are forecast to run above seasonal averages, improving travel and outdoor conditions. Western and northern counties may still experience cooler mornings, but afternoon temperatures are expected to rebound quickly.

While the warmer pattern reduces the risk of winter weather, it may increase hydrologic concerns in some areas. The Climate Prediction Center’s precipitation outlook shows near to above-normal precipitation potential across parts of the Southeast. Rainfall combined with warmer temperatures could lead to localized ponding on roadways and rises on rivers and streams.

Transportation corridors such as I-26, I-85, I-95, and U.S. Route 17 may see generally favorable travel conditions, though periods of rain could cause wet roads and brief slowdowns. Rivers including the Congaree, Broad, Pee Dee, Edisto, and Savannah may respond to increased runoff if precipitation materializes.

Commuters, students, and outdoor workers may notice more spring-like afternoons statewide, though officials caution that brief cooler mornings and changing conditions remain possible.

Residents across South Carolina are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and river statements from the National Weather Service as confidence increases closer to the February 11–17 timeframe.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a case of measles in part of the Midlands.

DPH said Tuesday that the case was reported in Sumter County. Officials also noted that it’s not clear if it is linked to the ongoing measles outbreak in the Upstate, primarily centered in Spartanburg County.

It’s the first case reported outside of the Upstate since the outbreak began in late 2025.

The agency also identified three possible places where others could have been exposed in the Sumter area:

DPH said it is unaware of any risk for measles exposure beyond those locations and times. Those possible exposed are asked to monitor for symptoms through Feb. 13, 14 and 15.

“Measles symptoms to watch for typically begin 7-12 days (but can occur up to 21 days) after exposure, and include cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, and fever followed by a rash two to three days later that starts on the face then spreads to the rest of the body,” the department said.

The agency said anyone who may have been exposed and develops a fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes should call a healthcare provider regardless of whether they have a rash or not.

“Arrangements like the use of masks or isolating you from others in waiting areas to evaluate you without putting others at risk of exposure may be utilized. You may be asked to stay at home until the doctor clears you,” DPH said.

DPH reported 29 total new cases statewide on Tuesday, bringing the total number in the outbreak to 876. Of that number, data shows 800 were not vaccinated for measles as of Feb. 3.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.

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Department officials say a two-alarm fire broke out at Broad River Trace Apartments.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fire Department says over three dozen people have been displaced from their homes after a large late afternoon apartment fire.

Fire officials say crews were called to a reported structure fire at the Broad River Trace Apartments on Riverhill Circle just before 4 p.m. Tuesday. A second alarm was requested after firefighters arrived and found heavy fire conditions in one of the apartment buildings.

Alex Carlo, who lives on the ground floor of the building that caught fire, said the experience was something he never imagined would happen to him.

“It’s one of those things where you never think it’s going to happen to you,” Carlo said.

Carlo’s partner, Kathryn Bruns, was home at the time of the fire. She said she was trying to fall asleep with her dog when the fire alarms went off.

I’m just thankful that I was awake enough to hear the sounds quick enough to get out of the apartment,” Bruns said. “I come out and I see smoke, and it wasn’t long after that where you could see flames on top of the building.”

Nearby residents described a chaotic scene as first responders worked to control the fire and help residents evacuate.

“It was absolutely chaotic once I got here,” said Douglas Sobers, who lives nearby. “It was a crazy sightseeing first responders passing off animals and keeping them from running back into the apartment.”

According to Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins, the fire spread quickly once it reached the roofline.

“When it gets up in that attic area, it can walk across the building,” Jenkins said. “That’s what creates the kind of damage we’re seeing here.”

The affected building contains 28 apartment units. Jenkins said the extent of the fire damage makes it likely the building will not be salvageable, though a final determination will be made later.

“I’m not sure what can be rehabbed on the inside until we can really get in there,” Jenkins said. “But by the looks of it, I would consider that basically a total loss.”

For those displaced, there is still uncertainty about what belongings may be salvageable.

“I’m not getting my hopes up that there’s a lot left,” Bruns said.

A neighboring building sustained heat-related damage but did not catch fire, according to fire officials.

At least 28 families were affected by the fire, with approximately 38 people displaced, based on the apartment complex’s roster. The American Red Cross has been notified and is responding to provide assistance.

Jenkins said no injuries have been reported and no one has been transported to the hospital. Fire officials said that several residents had pets inside the apartment complex when the fire started and are still unaccounted for.

Fire officials said residents had to be prevented from re-entering the building, even in areas not yet damaged, because of the danger posed by the fire.

“When you’ve got a building burning like this, walls can fall in and porches can come down,” Jenkins said. “We had to make sure nobody went back inside.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not determined where it started.

“We’re not going to try to guess at what happened,” Jenkins said. “We’ll investigate it and let the fire tell us what it did.”

Despite the loss, residents say they are grateful no serious injuries were reported.

“We’re glad that we are safe and we have family in the area that we can stay with,” Bruns said.

News 19 will continue to provide updates as investigators learn more about the cause of the fire and as officials confirm how many pets have been accounted for.