Seabrook Island Village, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, was pleased to present a community program on fire safety at the Lake House on October 9, 2026. Chief Fire Marshal Tim Pristatskiy, assisted by Senior Captain Ed Singleton, shared the remarkable history and rapid growth of the Johns Island Fire Department.
Chief Tim described the fire department’s beginnings with the hiring of its first—and only—professional firefighter in 1969, the construction of the first fire station in 1978, and the challenges faced by early volunteers. Today, the Johns Island Fire District has 148 employees and seven fire stations.
October is Fire Safety Month, and this year’s initiative is titled “Charge into Fire Safety!” Chief Tim and Captain Ed highlighted the potential risks of lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable batteries used in many everyday devices. Because these batteries can react to extreme heat and cold, they may ignite and cause fires that cannot be extinguished with water. Their advice: never use inexpensive, off-brand chargers; do not leave devices plugged in after they are fully charged; and if a device becomes hot, unplug it and allow it to cool.
Audience members asked many questions and signed up for home safety checks and smoke detector installations. Seabrook is fortunate to have a top-notch fire department that responds to emergencies well beyond fighting fires. Much of its work involves emergency medical response, advanced life support, rescues involving vehicles, boats, and homes, and assistance to individuals facing many other types of emergencies.
When you see our firefighters, thank them for all they do. They are dedicated, caring, and always willing to help. They deserve our heartfelt thanks.
-Submitted by SIV
(Image credit: SIV and St. John’s Fire District)