South Carolina couple turns Halloween into chaos for the fire department – but there is nothing they can do

A couple in a Greenville County town has caused multiple 911 calls over a Halloween display so realistic, neighbors believe their house is actually on fire. Sam Lee and Amanda Riggins Peden, who live in Fountain Inn, have turned their home into a “burning house” illusion that has sparked controversy.

Lee, a former mayor of Fountain Inn, and his partner, Riggins Peden, have become known locally for elaborate holiday decorations and host a free pumpkin patch during the Halloween season. This year, their façade is outfitted with glowing orange lights in every window, white smoke rolling from the porch, and shadowy flickers that mimic real flames. They run the show nightly between 8 and 10 p.m. through the end of October.

In a public social media post, Riggins Peden even cautioned the neighbors: “Our house will be on fire (not real fire) as Halloween decorations every night from 8-10 PM between now and October 31. Please do not call the fire department again!”

The effect is so realistic, the Fountain Inn Fire Department has partnered with the American Red Cross to film a National Fire Prevention Week video outside the home to stress the importance of home fire escape plans.

Some neighbors didn’t listen

But, according to the Greenville News, as the display went live earlier in the month, the Fountain Inn fire department began receiving multiple calls reporting a house fire. Chief Russell Alexander confirmed that his team has responded each time, even when alerted that the flames weren’t real.

In 2023, the first year the couple used the house-on-fire illusion, the department received as many as 30 calls in October that year. This year, the volume has been lower, but new residents who see the effect for the first time are still dialing 911.

Some neighbors and social media users argue that the display is irresponsible. Critics warn that when viewers see what looks like a house engulfed in flames, it could be dangerous, especially if a real fire breaks out and responders dismiss it as a hoax.

On the other side of the debate, many praise the creativity and boldness of the installation. The display has gone viral, amassing tens of millions of views across TikTok and Instagram. Supporters claim the effect is impressive and harmless, and that the couple has been transparent about its intended illusion.