Firefighters combat the flames at the Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ Distribution Center in West Columbia.
A significant fire broke out at Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ Distribution Center in West Columbia, SC, on Saturday night. The blaze, classified as a three-alarm fire, involved over 50 firefighters working for two hours to control the flames, which resulted in extensive damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Investigations into the cause are underway as the community rallies in support of the long-standing local establishment, which has been a beloved icon since 1953.
On a Saturday night that residents won’t soon forget, a significant fire erupted at the Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ Distribution Center in West Columbia, South Carolina, around 9:15 PM. As flames shot through the roof, onlookers were left in shock as the spectacle unfolded at an establishment known for its delicious barbecue.
West Columbia Fire Chief Marquis Solomon confirmed that the fire began in the distribution center, which also houses offices and a cookhouse. Thankfully, the actual restaurant remained untouched. In a massive collaborative effort, around 50 to 60 firefighters rushed to the scene, including crews from West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, Columbia, and Lexington County. The inferno was classified as a three-alarm fire due to its size and intensity.
Despite the quick arrival of firefighters, it took approximately two hours to bring the fire under control, and a further four hours to fully extinguish the blaze. The damage was extensive, and officials suspect that the facilities might be a total loss. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the community is now left grappling with the aftermath of this devastation.
As first responders combated the flames, local roads, including parts of Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard, were closed to ensure safety and facilitate critical emergency efforts. As a precaution, a nearby hotel was also evacuated during the fire, illustrating the serious nature of the situation.
Firefighters and investigators continue to monitor hot spots as the investigation into the cause of the fire gets underway. The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and State Fire officials are all involved in assessing what caused this disaster, and while foul play has not been ruled out, it remains under investigation.
One piece of good news amidst the chaos is that the iconic 75-foot BBQ sign located at the site remains intact, a beacon of hope for the community. However, Maurice’s officials expressed their devastation through social media, confirming that the BBQ pits and food preparation facilities were completely destroyed. This tragedy hits close to home for many, as the restaurant has been a staple of the area since 1953.
As this beloved establishment faces a temporary closure, the team is concerned about how the loss of the distribution center will impact operations at its other locations. With reliance on the distribution center for supplies, the ripple effects of this incident may be felt in the community.
As the investigation develops and the cleanup begins, the local community rallies behind Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ, showing gratitude to the firefighters and first responders who bravely fought the flames. While the restaurant has a complex history connected to controversial views from its late owner, the current management is focused on ensuring that the BBQ legacy lives on, honoring the tradition rather than dwelling on past politics.
It remains unclear if other nearby structures sustained damage from the fire, but the collective resilience of West Columbia shines through as residents express their support for those affected by this unfortunate incident. Let’s stand together and hope for a speedy recovery for not just Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ, but for the heart of West Columbia itself.
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