Fairfield County releases statement following fire at Healthcare SC facility

Drone photo provided via Fairfield County official Gene Stephens

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, SC (WOLO) — Fairfield County has issued a statement following a lawsuit filed against Healthcare SC, LLC – the owner of the MLily mattress factory that was destroyed by fire. MLily USA is also named in the suit.

Amy Bates, who is a farmer in Fairfield County, and who is represented by Attorney Dick Harpootlian, filed the suit on August 20th. In the suit, multiple claims are made, including that Healthcare SC, LLC  failed to “adequately contain, capture, or otherwise prevent ash, charred debris, and other combustion byproducts from being released and dispersed into the surrounding community and onto Plaintiff’s and Class members’ properties.

Fairfield County is not named in the lawsuit, however, officials released the following statement:

Fairfield County is actively working with the responding state agencies involved in the monitoring, assessment, and cleanup efforts following the fire incident at the Healthcare SC facility.

The County understands the concerns of residents and the agricultural community regarding potential impacts related to air quality, runoff and particulate debris or ash that may have settled on nearby farmland and plants. Fairfield County is supporting the ongoing response and investigation and is coordinating with the appropriate state agencies as they assess these concerns and determine the necessary remediation measures.

Healthcare SC has transitioned the remediation and cleanup activities to outside consultants and continues to work with the state agencies conducting on-site monitoring and oversight.

Fairfield County is also aware that a class action lawsuit has been filed by individuals who allege they were impacted by the incident. Because the matter is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, Fairfield County cannot comment on the merits or allegations of the lawsuit, nor can the County comment on matters that remain part of an ongoing investigation.

The County will continue to cooperate with and support the appropriate state agencies as they conduct their monitoring, investigation and environmental assessments. Fairfield County will also provide assistance and coordination within its authority as appropriate.

Our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of Fairfield County residents, farmers, businesses and the surrounding community. We recognize the concerns being raised and will
continue to monitor the situation closely.

Because the investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing, Fairfield County will defer to the appropriate state regulatory and environmental agencies regarding technical findings, testing
results and specific remediation requirements and to the appropriate councils regarding the pending litigation.

The County will communicate significant updates to the public as verified information becomes available, while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation and legal process.

Fire officials say the fire was extinguished on August 18th. The 650,000-square-foot factory was labeled a total loss.