Firefighters Battling Blaze at Clinton’s House of Pizza
In the heart of Clinton, South Carolina, a devastating fire broke out on the evening of Tuesday, August 27, at the beloved House of Pizza. This restaurant, known to many in the community, became the center of a tense situation as firefighters fought to contain the flames.
Injuries and Challenges Faced by Firefighters
As the firefighters bravely worked to extinguish the fire, five of them sustained minor injuries. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported for anyone, including restaurant staff or patrons. However, one firefighter encountered an unfortunate accident, breaking his wrist when he tripped, although not while battling the fire itself. Two others from the Joanna Fire Department were taken to the hospital due to dehydration, while two firefighters from the Laurens County Fire Department were injured after bricks fell on them when a wall of the House of Pizza collapsed.
The fire was first reported to have started in the back of the restaurant, quickly spreading and causing significant damage to nearby buildings. Clinton Fire Marshall Donya Langston confirmed that three businesses were lost in the fire, along with the emotional toll it’s taken on the community.
A Community in Mourning
“It feels like we’re losing a whole historic section of Clinton,” shared Michele Cunningham, assistant director of human resources for the City of Clinton. Many residents have fond memories of the House of Pizza, recalling it as the old Dime Store where they spent time with loved ones.
“This is more than just a restaurant; it’s part of our history,” Cunningham said. The sadness in her voice echoed through the thoughts of many others who have watched downtown evolve over the years. Clinton’s downtown area isn’t large, and losing a staple like House of Pizza hits hard. Residents recalled their experiences at nearby shops, understanding that these spaces represent the heart of their small town.
Efforts to Control the Situation
While firefighters faced significant challenges in getting water to combat the fire, they made efforts to keep residents safe. They advised people to steer clear of Musgrove Street, North Adair Street, East Pitts, and Main Street as the situation developed.
Despite the ongoing risks, Clinton Fire Chief Jeremy Marshall assured the public that police were patrolling the area and were ready to respond if necessary. By the next day, small flames could still be seen amidst the debris, a reminder of the intense heat that had built up after the major firefighting efforts.
Support from Nearby Fire Departments and Agencies
The response included assistance from over a dozen fire departments, including the South Carolina State Fire, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Although the ATF generally does not investigate fires without specific circumstances, their presence demonstrated the gravity of the situation. Clinton Police also joined the response efforts, summoning SLED to assist with the investigation into the fire’s cause, which is still unknown.
A Resilient Community
In the wake of this incident, Mayor Randy Randall emphasized the resilience of the town. “Clinton is a small town, if any little piece of the town gets hurt, it hurts all of us,” he stated. It’s this close-knit community that many believe will help them come back stronger, just as they did after previous events. Discussions are already taking place on how they can aid local businesses affected by this fire.
Call for Community Involvement
City officials are reaching out to the public for support, asking anyone with videos or photographs of the blaze to share them. If you have any information or media related to the fire, please reach out to tips@cityofclinton.com to assist the ongoing investigation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the strength found in community and togetherness, as the residents of Clinton work towards healing and rebuilding.
