Firefighters respond to a major fire at Maurice’s Piggie Park in West Columbia, SC, on October 26, 2024.
A significant fire erupted at Maurice’s Piggie Park barbecue complex in West Columbia, South Carolina on October 26, 2024. The blaze affected the distribution center and administrative offices, but no injuries were reported. Multiple fire departments worked together to control the flames. While the distribution center was a total loss, the restaurant remains intact. Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire, which follows recent challenges faced by the BBQ community.
West Columbia, South Carolina, has found itself at the center of a major incident as a large fire broke out overnight at the renowned Maurice’s Piggie Park barbecue complex. Firefighters scrambled to the scene, where flames engulfed the distribution center of this beloved Midlands restaurant chain.
The fire erupted around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in the 1600 block of Charleston Highway, located conveniently near Exit 113 on I-26 and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The West Columbia Fire Department was alerted shortly after 9 p.m., and as they arrived, flames could be seen shooting through the roof of the distribution center, causing a spectacular yet concerning sight.
Multiple fire departments, including the Cayce Fire Department, Lexington County Fire Service, Columbia Fire Department, and Irmo Fire District, joined forces to combat this raging fire. Thanks to their efforts, it took approximately two hours to bring the fire under control and about four hours to fully extinguish it. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Despite the best efforts of the firefighters, the damage sustained was significant. The distribution center, along with the administrative offices and food preparation areas, has been declared a total loss. Thankfully, the actual restaurant was spared from direct involvement in the blaze. However, the adjoining restaurant has been closed and is expected to remain shut for quite some time as cleanup and restoration efforts begin.
Nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution during the incident, but luckily, no external damages to other properties have been reported. One notable triumph in the midst of the chaos was the preservation of the iconic 75-foot BBQ sign, and firefighters even managed to recover an American flag that was flying at the site, a symbol of resilience for the community.
Officials from Maurice’s have expressed their devastation on social media, revealing that the barbecue pits, food preparation facilities, and offices are completely destroyed. With a proud history dating back to 1953, the chain has become a staple in the barbecue community, and this fire marks a challenging moment in their storied legacy.
Looking ahead, the impact of the fire may extend beyond the distribution center, potentially affecting the eight other Maurice’s BBQ restaurants in the Columbia and Lexington areas that rely on this facility for supplies. In light of this, the company has announced a day-by-day approach to reopening and rebuilding efforts.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the South Carolina State Fire investigating the point of origin. While foul play has not been ruled out, the investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to determine the facts surrounding this unfortunate incident.
This alarming fire follows another unrelated incident at the Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge in Shelby, North Carolina, shedding light on the ongoing challenges facing the BBQ restaurant community. Maurice’s has had its share of controversies in the past, including previous racial issues tied to its late owner, but the focus moving forward will be on preserving its BBQ legacy and the beloved flavors that South Carolinians have cherished for decades.
This story is still evolving, and updates will continue to emerge as more information becomes available about the fire and the recovery process. The community stands strong, supporting Maurice’s as they navigate through this challenging time.
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