We Protect the Property & Lives of our Community.
Since 1959, the men and women of the St. Johns Fire District have protected 185 square miles of the barrier islands of Johns, Kiawah, Seabrook, and Wadmalaw.
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***Open Burn Warning***
We strongly discourage open burning as dry and windy weather conditions are contributing to several fires that have spread out of control over the last several days. Even small leaf piles files have spread to large fires that have burned several acres. STJFD firefighters have responded to several wildland fires over the last week that were preventable. These incidents are time consuming and dangerous, and can prevent timely responses to other emergencies as it puts a strain on resources.
Although we cannot issue a ban, we strongly discourage burning until we get much needed rain.
Also per South Carolina law:
- The material to be burned must have been generated onsite and not moved to the site from another location
- Burning of household waste products including garbage, furniture, paint cans, treated wood, etc.
- You must be present while burning
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Traffic Alert: Belvedere Road is closed in the 3600 block for a large outside fire. Please find an alternative route.
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Commissioners Award for Newcomer of the Year - Captain Robert Madden
The Commissioners Award for Newcomer of the Year recognizes an individual who, despite being new to the organization, has made a significant, positive, and lasting impact. This award honors someone who steps into a new environment and immediately elevates it—through character, leadership, work ethic, and commitment to our mission.
This year’s recipient joined St. John’s Fire District in 2025 as an external hire at the Captain level—an extremely challenging role to assume in any organization. But from day one, he not only met expectations; he surpassed them.
He quickly demonstrated a proactive mindset and a strong understanding of our mission, taking on meaningful work such as leading community risk assessments at the company level. This is not just a task—it is a forward‑thinking approach that reduces harm before emergencies occur. His willingness to embrace this work showed maturity, vision, and a true commitment to keeping the community safe.
He embodies servant leadership—putting others first, seeing the bigger picture, and elevating everyone he works with. His approach is grounded in humility, purpose, and care for his people.
It is the pleasure of the STJFD Board of Fire Commissioners to Award the Newcomer of the Year award to Captain Robert Madden!
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Congratulations to Firefighter Ryan Freeland on his recent completion of the One Bad Tour, Class 11!
One Bad Tour is an intense, 24-hour endurance and training program for firefighters that includes Truck and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) work. It is designed to test the physical and mental limits of participants through realistic and grueling scenarios. It is a highly selective program, with hundreds of applicants and only a small number being selected for each class and even fewer completing it.
#thedistrict
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Congratulations to Senior Engineer Kurt Thomas on his completion of the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association Fire Officer Academy Class #26-01. The week-long class teaches and tests officers to a new limit and prepares them to lead crews effectively. The class has a highly competitive selection process.
Kurt Thomas is the third STJFD member to complete the program. #TheDistrict
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River Road is closed around the 4500 block due to a large tree in the roadway.
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