Golden Strip Fire Departments Earn Statewide Fire Safety Recognition

Fire departments serving the Golden Strip communities of Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, and Mauldin are among those recognized statewide for their commitment to keeping residents safe through prevention, education, and community engagement.

A total of 241 fire departments across South Carolina have received the 2025 Fire Safe South Carolina Community Designation, marking a nearly 17 percent increase from last year and the first time all 46 counties are represented in the program.

Among those honored are several departments serving the Golden Strip area, including the Fountain Inn Fire Department, Simpsonville Fire Department, and Mauldin Fire Department, all located in Greenville County.

The designation is awarded to departments that go beyond emergency response by focusing on community risk reduction—using data, education, and partnerships to prevent fires and improve safety outcomes.

“Fire departments across South Carolina are demonstrating through risk reduction that prevention and education are just as important as emergency response,” said Jonathan Jones. “Through Fire Safe South Carolina, these departments are taking proactive steps to reduce risks to their citizens and protect their communities.”

Launched in 2017, Fire Safe South Carolina brings together fire service organizations across the state to promote safer communities through coordinated prevention efforts. Departments that earn the designation demonstrate consistent public education efforts and a strong commitment to reducing fire-related risks.

All recognized departments will be honored at an awards ceremony on June 12 during the 2026 Fire-Rescue Conference in Myrtle Beach.

For residents of the Golden Strip, this recognition reflects the ongoing work of local fire departments to not only respond in emergencies, but to actively work behind the scenes to prevent them—making these fast-growing communities safer places to live and work.