A massive fire broke out at the waterfront home of South Carolina Judge Diane Goodstein on Edisto Island over the weekend, injuring three people, officials reported.
The fire, which occurred on Saturday, October 4, completely engulfed the home, according to the South Carolina Judicial Branch. In response, local law enforcement has been alerted to provide extra patrols and security, while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been asked to assist with the investigation. South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice John Kittredge has been informed of the incident.
Three individuals were hospitalized, including one who had to be airlifted, said K.C. Campbell, public information officer for Colleton County Fire-Rescue, one of the agencies that helped with the response. The identities of those at the home during the fire have not been revealed. Judge Goodstein is married to former state Senator Arnold Goodstein, and the couple has two children, according to her official bio.
In a statement issued on October 6, the South Carolina Judicial Branch said that it would not be commenting further out of respect for the Goodstein family’s privacy until the investigation concludes.
Video footage from the scene shows thick smoke pouring from the house. The St. Paul’s Fire District, which also responded, noted that the home’s remote location on a barrier island posed significant challenges, including a limited water supply and narrow areas that hindered firefighting efforts.
The residents of the home reportedly escaped by jumping from the first floor, which was elevated. Due to the home’s isolated location, they were rescued from the backyard by kayaks and brought to Colleton County EMS for medical treatment.
