The chief said the fire caused extensive damage to the facility’s office and kitchen facilities. However, he said it has nothing to do with the restaurant itself.
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — West Columbia fire officials say a large fire on the premises of a famous South Carolina barbecue restaurant is under control.
West Columbia Fire Chief Marquis Solomon said several departments, including Cayce, Irmo, Columbia and Lexington counties, responded to the fire at the Morris Piggy Park property near Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard. He also admitted that he had responded.
Chief Solomon said the cause of the fire was in the office and kitchen area, not the restaurant itself. About 50 firefighters were called to the three-alarm fire.
Solomon said the fire was largely under control by 11 p.m., but there was significant damage.
“The majority of the fire has been extinguished,” he said. “We are currently destroying hotspots, which are small areas within the building that are still burning.”
Solomon also warned that nearby roads, including portions of Charleston Highway, are closed due to fire department efforts.
“Please avoid the Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard for the next few hours,” he said. “Try another route around the area.”
He added that the cause has not been determined, but the investigation will not begin in earnest until the fire is extinguished.
“Once we have the fire extinguished and we begin our investigation, we will be here for a few more hours,” he said.
There were no reports of injuries at the time.
