Merriwether Fire Department

Edgefield County was the only one in South Carolina not to have a fire department on the statewide list of departments actively pushing fire prevention and education. Merriwether FD has (Full story below.)

We’re proud to share that Merriwether Fire Department has been recognized with the Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation—and we are the first in our county to achieve it.

This recognition reflects the work being done behind the scenes every day—focusing on prevention, education, and making our community safer before emergencies happen.

This isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment to doing things the right way for the people we serve.

Fire Safe South Carolina congratulates 241 South Carolina fire departments for receiving the 2025 Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation. For more information:https://llr.sc.gov/aboutus/mediacenter/news/2026/FSSC%202026%20Press%20Release.pdf

The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert effective immediately until further notice.

Due to dry conditions, low humidity, increased winds, and little to no expected rainfall, the risk of wildfire is elevated.

We strongly encourage everyone to avoid any outdoor burning at this time. Even a small fire can spread quickly under these conditions.

Please use caution and help us keep our community safe. Stay alert and share this information with others.

Merriwether Fire Department asks our community to keep Stacy and the Widener family in your prayers today.

As they lay their precious child to rest, we stand with them during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with our extended first responder family at Edgefield County Emergency Medical Services

We stand with you. 🙏

Training together today so we’re ready together tomorrow.

🚨 PUBLIC NOTICE – WATER CONSERVATION REQUEST 🚨

The Edgefield County Water & Sewer Authority is currently experiencing extremely low water flow from the Savannah River, which is preventing the treatment plant from pulling in raw water for processing. This issue is related to reduced and intermittent flow from the Lake Thurmond Dam.

Residents are asked to conserve water until further notice.

Please avoid all non-essential water use, including:
• Washing vehicles
• Lawn irrigation / sprinklers
• Running unnecessary laundry loads
• Any other non-essential water usage

Conserving water will help maintain adequate supply while the situation is being resolved. Officials expect conditions to improve overnight and will provide an update Tuesday morning.

We appreciate everyone doing their part to help the community during this time.

— Merriwether Fire Department

🚒 Merriwether Fire Department Reminder

When you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, take a minute to protect your home and family.

🔋 Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

It’s a simple step that can make a life-saving difference.

Quick safety checks:
• Test every smoke alarm in your home
• Make sure alarms are in every bedroom and hallway
• Review your family’s fire escape plan
• Replace any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older

Working smoke alarms save lives. Most fatal house fires happen at night when people are asleep.

Take a few minutes this weekend to make sure your home is protected.

🔥 TRAINING NIGHT FOR MERRIWETHER FIRE DEPARTMENT 🔥

Tonight our firefighters traveled to the training facility in Aiken for annual structural firefighting burn training. These live-fire evolutions are critical to maintaining our skills, sharpening our response time, and ensuring we’re fully prepared for real-world emergencies.

This hands-on training allows our team to practice fire attack, search and rescue, ventilation, and coordinated interior operations in a controlled environment — all to better protect the citizens of our community.

We train hard so we’re ready when it matters most.

Thank you to every firefighter who continues to put in the time and effort to serve Merriwether with professionalism and dedication. 🚒🔥

Today, several members of the Merriwether Fire Department are attending the Savannah River Firefighters Symposium — a premier regional training event focused on strengthening skills, leadership, and interagency collaboration.

Training never stops in the fire service. Events like this allow our firefighters to sharpen their abilities, learn from industry leaders, and bring valuable knowledge back to our department and community.

We are committed to continuous improvement and providing the highest level of service to the citizens we proudly serve.