People injured as fire breaks out at Music Farm

A fire at the Music Farm last night left a band member in critical condition and 13 patrons with minor injuries.

Jake Johnson of Green Levels suffered third-degree burns after running backstage to save some of the band's equipment, according to police records.

The 200 people inside the venue had to be evacuated when the fire broke out backstage around 9:15 p.m.

The concert was also live-streamed on Facebook, and it was a viewer at home who called 9-1-1.

“It was totally crazy. One minute I’m drinking beer and dancing and singing along, and the next we’re all running through smoke to get out the door," said CofC senior Madison Watkins, adding she was happy to be close to an exit. "Also, I’m really glad someone watching online was paying attention and decided to call 911."

About three minutes after receiving a call, firefighters rushed to the scene to battle the blaze for nearly an hour, where the 14 people had to be rushed to the ER at the Medical University of South Carolina. One of the 13 taken to MUSC for minor injuries also tested positive for COVID-19, so everyone at Music Farm for the concert is being asked to get a COVID-19 test.

“Unfortunately, one of the people at the Music Farm tested positive for COVID-19 so we are pleading with anyone who was at the concert to please come in and get tested, even if you have been vaccinated, so we can avoid another catastrophe by spreading the coronavirus. MUSC offers free testing on site,” said Ray Abrams, MUSC epidemiologist.

Investigators currently suspect a faulty wire was the cause of the fire.

“We think it was probably an electrical short circuit that started the fire, but we are still determining that for certain. We were really lucky to get everyone out before the building collapsed in flames, said Susan Rico, fire chief. “We were also lucky it was only 200 people in the building. The outcome of a fire this dangerous could have been much, much worse.”

Music Farm owner Pat McAuley estimates about $150,000 damage to his building.

He says the downtown venue will be closed indefinitely.