Overview of the incident
A South Carolina circuit court judge is dealing with a devastating house fire that left three people hospitalized and destroyed the family residence on Edisto Island, south of Charleston. Judge Diane Goodstein and her family were not home at the moment the blaze began, but the incident occurred while the judge was walking her dogs along the coastal area known for its marshlands and natural beauty.
According to Colleton County Fire-Rescue, the fire erupted Sunday afternoon at the home, forcing those inside to escape from an elevated first floor by jumping into hazardous terrain and marsh water below. The three occupants were subsequently rescued from the backyard via kayak due to the marshy conditions surrounding the property.
One occupant was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina hospital in Charleston, while the other two were transported by ground to medical facilities. The current condition of the victims has not been released by authorities, who have warned that details about their health status are evolving.
Investigation and official response
The South Carolina Supreme Court issued a statement confirming that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has responded to the scene and is investigating the cause of the fire. Local law enforcement partners were asked to increase patrols and security, and the Judicial Branch said it would maintain close communication with SLED as the investigation progresses.
SLED described its examination as active and ongoing, underscoring that investigators will pursue all available leads to determine how the fire started and whether there were any contributing factors.
Context and impact
Judge Goodstein’s role in South Carolina’s judiciary has been noted in court records. Last month, she was involved in a notable ruling related to voter data access, including a decision that limited the South Carolina Election Commission’s ability to share certain voter files with the Department of Justice. The case drew attention because it intersected with federal voting information requests that involved sensitive personal data such as names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and Social Security numbers. The decision was later challenged in court, and the State Supreme Court’s involvement highlighted ongoing questions about information privacy and election administration.
Authorities emphasized that there is no current information connecting Judge Goodstein’s legal actions to the fire, and investigators are keeping careful watch for any potential links as they review the scene and gather evidence. The fire’s timing and cause remain under active review as officials coordinate resources and expertise from multiple agencies.
What witnesses and the community should know
Residents and visitors to Edisto Island, a community known for its beaches and marshlands, should expect a continued law enforcement presence in the area as the investigation unfolds. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the fire to contact SLED or local law enforcement. As families cope with the loss of their home, officials are asking for patience as forensic work proceeds and the cause is determined.
Next steps
As SLED conducts its inquiry, updates will likely address the timeline of events, the number of people affected, and any findings about electrical systems, fuel sources, or external factors that could have contributed to the fire. The Judicial Branch and SLED have indicated they will provide regular briefings as new information becomes available.
