FRIPP ISLAND — A fire killed one person, one dog and destroyed at least three homes this weekend in a gated beach community in Beaufort County.

Authorities were called to respond to a fire that spread between multiple two-story, side-by-side homes on Bonito Drive on Fripp Island around 10 a.m. on Aug. 16.

A 59-year-old man and a dog were found dead inside one of the homes. At least three residences were “completely ruined,” according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

The county coroner had not publicly identified the deceased person as of noon on Aug. 17.

The State Law Enforcement Division’s arson unit is assisting the sheriff’s office in its investigation, according to a statement from SLED.

Several other fire departments also responded and are assisting the Fripp Island Fire

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