Man hospitalized after blaze at care home

A man received second- and third-degree burns Saturday in a fire that broke out about 2 a.m. at a personal care home in Columbia County.

Robert Everett, 44, was in critical condition Saturday at Doctors Hospital's Joseph M. Still Burn Center, according to center spokeswoman Beth Frits.

Honey Shore, a spokeswoman with Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue, said the blaze occurred at Smith Personal Care Home, 5432 Old Augusta Highway, Grovetown. Ms. Shore said the home's owners are Brenda and Earnest Smith.

Mrs. Smith's sister, Crystal Smith, said the home cares for six men. She said those inside during the fire, including her sister and brother-in-law, have found another place to stay.

Glenn Allen, a spokesman for the state insurance and safety fire commissioner's office, which is investigating, said the fire originated in a kitchen/dining area and that officials are focusing on an electric space heater that was there.