The Charlestown Richmond Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire shortly after 9:00 p.m. on January 21. Updates confirmed a detached garage with smoke visible. Firefighters came swiftly and fought to put the fire under control, reducing damage and preventing it from spreading to other structures.

The Cross' Mills Fire Department, Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District, and Richmond-Carolina Fire District all provided mutual help. Charlestown Police and the Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service also helped with scene safety, patient evaluation, and operational assistance. All mutual aid companies were eventually released, and Charlestown forces cleared the area just after 10:00 p.m.