Clinton Fire Department Responds to Blaze at Iconic House of Pizza
CLINTON, S.C. – A fire broke out at the beloved House of Pizza on Tuesday, injuring two firefighters as they worked to control the flames. The fire originated on the back patio of the establishment and quickly spread to four other buildings in the downtown area, sparking concern among residents.
Emergency Response and Initial Damage Assessment
According to the Clinton Fire Department, two firefighters suffered minor injuries during the operation, with one requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, all patrons and staff members at the restaurant were able to escape without serious harm.
As of late Tuesday evening, Fire Marshal Donya Langston stated that the fire was contained to four buildings, and sadly, three businesses have been confirmed as lost. The structure of the House of Pizza suffered significant damage, with its front collapsing during the firefighting efforts.
Community Reacts to the Loss
The incident has deeply affected local residents. Michele Cunningham, the assistant director of human resources and risk management for the City of Clinton, expressed her feelings, saying, “It feels like we’re losing a whole historic section of Clinton. We are not that big. I remember when the House of Pizza was the Dime store and I used to go in there with my grandmother. So it is history.”
Cunningham continued, “We used to go to Hoyt Hanvey to get our jewelry. We are essentially losing a part of the heart of the downtown area.” Many folks echo this sentiment, emphasizing the restaurant’s significance to the community.
Investigation and Traffic Impacts
As firefighters continued to battle the flames, officials urged residents to avoid certain areas in downtown Clinton. Musgrove Street, North Adair Street, and the East Pitts and Main Street junction were specifically mentioned due to difficulties faced in getting enough water to suppress the fire.
Officials indicated that they might shut down sections of Highway 76 and Main Street if water supplies dwindled, as the nearest fire hydrant was located in that vicinity.
Business Owner’s Reaction
The owner of House of Pizza expressed devastation over the incident, mentioning that they had recently completed upgrades, including a new awning and sign, just before the fire broke out. The loss is not just financial but represents a significant blow to the local culture and history.
Firefighters from the Laurens County Fire Department along with those from Clinton were on the scene, pouring everything they had into battling the flames. As the investigation continues, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of the public and contain further damage.
Ongoing Coverage
As the situation develops, crews are focused on completely extinguishing the fire and clearing the area. Residents and community members are encouraged to stay informed and remain away from the affected locations. Local news channels and community bulletin boards will provide updates as they become available.
The loss of such an establishment underscores the importance of community support in rebuilding and preserving the rich history of Clinton. Updates will be provided as further information emerges concerning the fate of the House of Pizza and its impact on the local economy.
