Flames rip through former Lancaster councilwoman's home

LANCASTER, S.C. — ​​​​​​Flames ripped through an East Arch Street home owned by Linda Blackmon-Brace in Lancaster early Monday morning

Blackmon-Brace is a former councilwoman, and the home has been the headquarters of a family foundation.

“We are giving scholarships, we feed the hungry,” she said. “It’s been a haven in the community. I just don't know where the people will go.”

A man who was renting to stay at the home was burned in the fire as he escaped.

Blackmon-Brace is glad he's OK, but worries personal items from her grandmother were lost in the fire.

“I just didn't want my legacy tarnished,” Blackmon-Brace said.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division officials are investigating the fire, which started in the front of the home.

Blackmon-Brace hopes the fire wasn't set on purpose, because the home is already wrapped up in a legal battle.

In November, she won the Lancaster District 2 council seat, but was yanked from the position when her opponent, Jackie Harris, filed a lawsuit against her.

Harris argued Blackmon-Brace shouldn't have won that council seat because she doesn't live at that home. She also argued over other issues during the election last year.

Blackmon-Brace actually lives in another district, and earlier this month, a Supreme Court judge sided with Blackmon-Brace.

“I always knew that I was going to win,” Blackmon-Brace said.

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