WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — West Columbia fire officials say a large fire on the property of a well-known South Carolina barbecue restaurant is under control.
West Columbia Fire Chief Marquis Solomon confirmed that several departments, including Cayce, Irmo, Columbia, and Lexington County, also responded to the blaze on Maurice's Piggy Park's property near Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard.
Chief Solomon said the fire involved the offices and cookhouse at the location—not the restaurant itself. It was a three-alarm fire, and about 50 firefighters responded.
By 11 p.m., Solomon said they had knocked down most of the fire but that there was extensive damage.
"The majority of the fire is contained," he said. "We're knocking down hotspots at this moment, which are small areas that are still on fire inside the building."
Solomon also warned that nearby roads, including portions of Charleston Highway, are closed due to fire crews working there.
"For the next few hours, try to stay clear of Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard," he said. "Try alternate routes around that area."
He added that no cause has been determined, but the investigation will not fully begin until the fire is out.
"We will be out here for a couple more hours once we knock down the the fire and begin that investigation," he said.
At the time, there were no reported injuries.
