Major Fire Destroys Former Boiling Springs Middle School

News Summary

A significant fire engulfed the former Boiling Springs Middle School in Spartanburg County early Tuesday morning. The historic building, which had housed the Upstate Family Resource Center since 2007, was already slated for demolition. Fire crews managed to control the blaze after several hours, with no reported injuries. Fire officials are investigating the cause while warning that smoke may linger for days. The tragedy has evoked strong memories among locals who cherished the school as a vital part of the community.

Major Fire Destroys Former Boiling Springs Middle School in Spartanburg County

Spartanburg County was rocked early Tuesday morning by a significant fire at the former Boiling Springs Middle School. The flames erupted around 4 a.m., catching the attention of multiple fire departments in the area.

Located on Old Furnace Road near the Target store off Highway 9, the building that once served as a bustling middle school has a storied history. Since 2007, it had housed the Upstate Family Resource Center, providing essential services to the community until its recent relocation in 2023. This structure, over 80 years old, is celebrated as one of the oldest historical buildings in the Boiling Springs community.

Just a few months prior to the devastating fire, former students had the opportunity to visit the building one last time in July 2023. Memories lingered as this place held a special significance for many locals. However, the excitement of its past was met with harsh reality as flames engulfed the structure in the early morning hours.

By 7:45 a.m., fire crews were able to gain control of the fire. Yet, this didn’t mark an end to the chaos; it would take several more hours to fully extinguish the blaze. Fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire, but thankfully, they confirmed that the flames did not spread beyond the walls of the building.

Responding to the emergency, the Boiling Springs Fire Department led a coalition of approximately 30 fire units from at least seven other agencies. Firefighters exercised extreme caution, as they had tagged the building as a collapse risk. They methodically worked to suppress the flames, constantly monitoring for potential flare-ups and hot spots.

It’s worth noting that the former school building, which was already slated for demolition, was completely boarded up and without power or heat at the time of the fire. Even with the fire contained, officials warned that smoke and smoldering could linger for several days, making it imperative to keep an eye on the situation.

The Boiling Springs Fire Department is staying vigilant, continuously assessing conditions to prevent any worsening situations. They took to social media to post both images of the fire and the extensive aftermath, keeping the community informed of the ongoing efforts. As the department works diligently, the community is urged to stay safe and avoid entering the unsafe and illegal site.

The good news is that, as of this afternoon, there have been no reported injuries related to the fire. As the investigation proceeds and more information becomes available, the community reflects on the memories contained within the walls of the old school that once shaped so many lives.

The former Boiling Springs Middle School may be in ruins now, but the love and memories of everyone who walked its halls remain very much alive in the hearts of those who knew it. As Spartanburg County comes together to support each other in light of this incident, we are reminded of the resilience and strength of our community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Firefighters in Boiling Springs Contain Brush Fire
Spartanburg Bids Farewell to a Firefighting Hero

Additional Resources

• WBTV: South Carolina School Buildings Destroyed by Massive Early Morning Fire
• Wikipedia: Boiling Springs, South Carolina
• WSPA: Crews Respond to Fire in Spartanburg County
• Google Search: Boiling Springs Middle School
• WIS TV: Live Crews Investigating Large Fire at Former School in Spartanburg Co.
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
• Fox Carolina: Massive Fire at Former Upstate School Under Investigation
• Google News: Spartanburg County Fire
• AOL: Boiling Springs Road Closed While Fire Crews Respond

Author: HERE Spartanburg