CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsHome of Gerald's Tires former owner destroyed in fire

Home of Gerald's Tires former owner destroyed in fire

By Hatzel Vela  bio | email | Twitter

BERKELEY COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – Six fire departments spent hours battling a raging fire at the home of David Ard, former co-owner of Gerald's Tire. Berkeley County officials said that the fire started around 9 p.m. at the home on Starline Drive off Jedburg Road.

"My wife came home from church, she notices there was smoke coming out of the vents from the A/C units," Ard said.

Ard said he got home minutes after his wife. "I grabbed the fire extinguisher, ran underneath, put out what I thought was the fire," he said.

While he tried to fight what he thought was a minor fire, his wife called the fire department. It didn't take them long to arrive on the scene, but the fire marshal told Ard the fire had already spread into the walls and roof of the home.

"Just couldn't get it to stop," Ard said as plumes of smoke still rose from the home at around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, two-and-half hours after it had started.

Ard said that in 15 minutes, it was blowing out everywhere. "A lot of memories but there will be rebuilt and we'll be in good shape…always," said Ard, who was just glad he and his wife, their three dogs and pet monkey got out safely.

The Ards had been living in the home since 1981. It's the home where they raised their children and grandchildren. "I just hate it that we lost things that can never be replaced, pictures and stuff. But we're a strong family, strong support system and we'll be fine," Ard said.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation Wednesday night.

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