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 – 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 RELEASECamden, 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
The City of Camden is actively seeking applicants for the newly established Camden Public Art Committee, created as a cornerstone initiative of the public art policy recently approved by City Council.
Under the terms of the approved policy, the Camden Public Art Committee is comprised of seven members, each appointed by City Council to serve two-year terms with the opportunity for renewal, not to exceed three consecutive terms. City Council reserves the authority to designate the Committee Chair from among the appointed members. The committee is looking for representatives from the following groups:
• Arts Leadership: The Director or designated representative from the Arts Center of Kershaw County • Creative Professionals: Active members of Camden’s art community, encompassing artists, gallery owners, art dealers, and cultural industry professionals • Community Advocates: Engaged citizens and business owners from the City of Camden and surrounding unincorporated areas who reflect our community’s rich diversity and share a genuine passion for public art • Philanthropic Partners: Individuals with demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with donors and supporters who share our vision for public art excellence
This exciting opportunity offers committee members the chance to shape Camden’s cultural landscape while fostering community engagement through meaningful public art initiatives.
How to Apply: Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit Boards and Commissions – Experience Camden, South Carolina to download and submit their application online. Applications are also available for pickup at City Hall’s Finance Department, located at 1000 Lyttleton Street.
Join us in creating a more vibrant, culturally enriched Camden through the transformative power of public art.
