Overview

• Homeowners Sam Lee and Amanda Riggins Peden in Fountain Inn created a realistic illusion of flames using lights and smoke to make their house look ablaze.
• The setup resumed on Oct. 3 and prompted three or four emergency calls that night, after roughly 30 calls were logged in October 2023 when the concept debuted.
• A TikTok video of the display has amassed about 25 million views, bringing crowds and sharp online disagreement over safety and legality.
• Fountain Inn Fire Department Chief Russell Alexander says crews will continue to roll on each call despite familiarity with the display, calling it necessary practice.
• The couple says they coordinated with firefighters, run the display nightly from about 8 to 10 p.m. through Oct. 31, and host community giveaways like free pumpkins and full-size candy bars.