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.