Mount Pleasant Seafood in repair mode after weekend fire

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)- Over the weekend a family-owned seafood market on Shem Creek caught on fire, leaving behind damage to the downstairs area of Mount Pleasant Seafood’s building, now they’re working to rebuild.

The Fitch family has owned and operated the seafood market for generations. Monday afternoon, some of the family members were still picking up debris, a tough site for owners of other businesses on the creek.

“It’s especially concerning when it’s a business, and it’s right nearby,” the owner of Tarvin Seafood, Cindy Tarvin, said.

Cindy Tarvin owns a seafood market across the creek from Mount Pleasant Seafood and says they all have the same equipment, and it very well could’ve been them on Saturday night.

“All of this equipment is subject to environmental hazards. Salt, sea, spray, all of that can have an impact on your equipment, the wiring, all that stuff,” Tarvin said.

We’re told the fire started from an oyster cooler and spread through the downstairs of the building. It was contained before flames reached the second floor or nearby structures.

Mount Pleasant mayor Will Haynie said he applauds the first responders for being so quick to the scene, “Our police, fire, North Charleston, City of Charleston, were all there for a massive response which went very, very well.”

Haynie also applauds the community, saying it’s amazing to see the response from people in town, something he says is in Mount Pleasant’s DNA.

“We just rally around. This is what we do. Remember when Jean’s Bridal Shop burned down? People responded by bringing their wedding dresses and things for brides who lost theirs. That’s the kind of response we do in the town of Mount Pleasant. It makes me so proud.”

The owners of Mount Pleasant Seafood said Monday they’re working to get the power on again.

Right now, owners are unsure when they will be back open. However, they will be at Tuesday’s farmer’s market in Mount Pleasant.