Camden, S.C. – The City of Camden is excited to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, set to begin next week. This initiative will enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness of the City’s utility services, including water, sewer, and electric meters.
What is AMI? Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a modern technology that enables two-way communication between utility meters and the City’s central system. Through secure wireless signals, AMI allows for real-time data collection, providing both the City and residents with up-to-date information on utility usage.
“Implementing the AMI system is a significant step forward for Camden,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt. “This technology allows us to provide more accurate billing, respond faster to issues, and give residents the tools they need to manage their utility usage effectively. We’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our community.”
Benefits to the Community The implementation of the AMI system will bring several important benefits to Camden residents: • Accurate Billing: Real-time data ensures precise billing, eliminating estimated charges and discrepancies. • Enhanced Leak and Outage Detection: The system can quickly identify unusual consumption patterns, aiding in the rapid detection and resolution of water leaks. AMI will also provide electric outage and power quality information to alert City employees to potential issues. • Improved Customer Service: Residents will have access to detailed usage information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their utility consumption. • Operational Efficiency: The City can monitor and manage utilities more effectively, leading to better resource allocation and service delivery.
According to Jack Thornsberry, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Camden, “the AMI system will allow the City of Camden to greatly enhance customer service, accuracy, and transparency of meter reading data for our customers. The City and customers will be able to drill down and analyze electric and water consumption at their homes and businesses.”
What Residents Can Expect Beginning next week, City crews will start installing AMI meters throughout Camden. The installation process is designed to be seamless, with no need for entry into homes or businesses. All water meters are located in exterior pits or vaults, while electric meters are mounted on the exterior of homes and businesses. • The first wave of the project will focus on water meter installations, which are expected to take place over the next several months. • Electric meter installations will follow in early 2026. • Residents should experience minimal disruption during this process.
Looking Ahead Once complete, the AMI system will position Camden as a leader in modern utility management, while giving residents more tools to manage their household and business utility usage.
Camden, SC – The Camden Fire Department has concluded its primary emergency operations at the former DeRoyal plant following this past weekend’s commercial fire.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has been contacted regarding the site. Any additional questions or concerns about environmental matters should be directed to DeRoyal Industries. The point of contact for the public is Rebecca Harmon, Chief Administrative Officer, at rharmon@deroyal.com.
“At this point, the property has been turned back over to DeRoyal, who is overseeing demolition and site management moving forward.” said Camden Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tidwell. “We will continue to monitor the site as needed, and we greatly appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation throughout this incident.”
The City of Camden Fire Department extends its gratitude to the mutual aid partners, city and county agencies, and community members who supported response efforts and helped keep Camden safe during this incident.
CAMDEN, SC – September 22, 2025 – The City of Camden provides the following update regarding the incident at the DeRoyal plant:
Road Closure: The block in front of the DeRoyal plant remains closed to allow emergency responders and contractors to work safely and to keep the public safe.
Investigation: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is handling the investigation and has given clearance for necessary operations to proceed at the site.
Emergency Response: Camden Fire Department personnel will remain on scene until conditions are deemed safe for both the public and working contractors. KBI Construction, hired by DeRoyal, continues to clear debris and take down the remaining walls that pose a threat.
Mutual Aid Support
Under the statewide Mutual Aid Agreement, Lancaster County and Newberry Fire Departments responded to provide coverage at Camden fire stations, ensuring continued emergency response capability for the community while Camden Fire Department resources were committed to the DeRoyal incident.
Acknowledgments
The City of Camden extends its sincere gratitude to all responding agencies who assisted during this event. We could not have accomplished what we did without the strong community of agencies that we have. A special thank you goes to Camden Police Department for providing critical support throughout the incident.
Public Safety
The City of Camden thanks the community for their continued understanding, patience, and cooperation in respecting the established perimeter and barricades around the incident area. Public compliance with these safety measures is essential for the protection of residents, emergency personnel, and contractors working at the site.
The City of Camden will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Multiple Fire Departments Respond to Commercial Building Fire at DeRoyal Textile Building
CAMDEN, SC – Multiple fire departments and emergency services responded to a commercial structure fire at the DeRoyal Textile building located at 125 York Street, Camden on September 20, 2025.
The call was received at 10:54 p.m., prompting an “all call” response due to the size and nature of the commercial building. The DeRoyal Textile building, which has not been active for some time, was formerly known as the Hermitage Mill Plant.
Responding Agencies: Fire Departments: • Camden Fire Department • Kershaw County Fire Services • Lancaster County Fire Department • Lee County Fire Department • Lugoff Fire Department • Sumter Fire Department • Town of Kershaw Fire Department
Other Emergency Services: • Camden Police Department • City of Camden Utilities and Public Works • Kershaw County EMS • Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department
“Conditions are too bad to put anybody in the building, so everything will be done from a defensive standpoint. said Camden Fire Chief Eddie Gardner “We’ve got men on ladder trucks conducting an aerial attack, trying to put the fire out from above.”
First responders arrived to find heavy fire conditions in the C and D building with flames already coming through the roof. Due to the dangerous conditions, firefighters conducted a defensive aerial attack using multiple ladder trucks rather than entering the structure.
The building was abandoned at the time of the fire and utilities had been disconnected.
Chief Gardner stated, “Due to wind direction and humidity levels, the smoke is rising and not affecting the surrounding area. Currently, the smoke poses no threat to the local community.”
Chief Gardner advised residents to maintain a safe distance from the scene to allow emergency personnel to work safely.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be conducted by the City of Camden Planning Commission in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, South Carolina on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
402 Bishopville Highway – Tax Map Number C286-00-00-019
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to R-E. Documentation regarding this request is available for public review at City Hall.
• Amendments to Sections 157.094(B)(12) and 157.095(B)(9) to remove slab on grade foundations as an allowable foundation type for residential units
Copies of the proposed ordinance amendments and rezoning request documentation are available for public review at the Planning & Development Department at City Hall or in the agenda packet posted here. Anyone having questions about the rezoning, needing assistance due to sight impairment hearing impairment, or disability should contact Shawn Putnam at 432-2421 prior to the date of the meeting so that arrangements can be made to provide the specific assistance required.
Another public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission in the Council Chambers on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
2200 Carter Street – Tax Map Number C270-00-00-013
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to RE. Documentation regarding this request is currently available for public review at City Hall, and will be made available online in the coming days.
Public Encouraged to Line Route and Honor Fallen Heroes
Kershaw County, SC – September 4, 2025– Firefighters from the Lugoff and Camden Fire Departments will lead a Walk of Remembrance on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. First responders from across Kershaw County will walk five miles from Camden Fire Station I at City Hall to Lugoff Fire Station, 892 Highway 1 South.
This marks the fifth annual Walk of Remembrance, a tradition begun in 2020 by Firefighter Dejuan Warren when pandemic restrictions canceled other 9/11 events. Participants this year include members of: Camden Fire Department, Camden Police Department, Kershaw County Detention, Kershaw County Dispatch, Kershaw County EMS, Kershaw County Fire Services, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Lugoff Fire Department.
“Walking together each year reminds us that remembrance is not just about honoring the past, but about inspiring our community to stand united in courage and service,” said Camden Fire Chief Eddie Gardner. “We encourage everyone to come out, line the route, and show support for those honoring the heroes of 9/11.” While the walk is led by first responders, the public is invited to line Highway 1 South, wave flags, and cheer on participants as a tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the bravery of first responders. Residents are encouraged to bring American flags and patriotic displays along the route.
For more information, contact: Dawn-Marie Johnson, Public Information Officer Email: djohnson@camdensc.org Phone: 803-243-5204
