Community members mourn loss of four businesses that went up in flames

CLINTON, S.C. (WSPA) – Clinton Mayor, Randy Randall said that the fire has created a terrible loss for the city, as they have been working to revitalize the area.

Clinton Fire Chief Jeremy Marshall said a fire broke out at the House of Pizza, Tuesday around 5 p.m. The damage left behind is being felt across the city and beyond.

While community members said they are heartbroken, they have found a way to come together during this difficult time.

The community of Clinton gathered Wednesday morning to pray over their loss.

“Do you see it?” Community member, Vivian Robinson asked. “It is terrible. Oh my lord.”

The fire has left the community heartbroken. Fire crews said they were on scene for nearly 12 hours, trying to get the fire under control and had stayed on scene for longer.

Chief Marshall said it hasn’t been an easy job.

“We had twelve initial dispatch departments through mutual aid,” Clinton Fire Chief, Jeremy Marshall said. “Mobilization showed up with an additional 30.”

Chief Marshall said that additionally, four ladder trucks and eight tankers ran water.

“I started here in 2009 and I haven’t had one like this,” Chief Marshall said.

He said there were over 50 firefighters hard at work.

“Heartbreaking” is how a nearby business owner, Reginald Vance, described the situation.

Vance said seeing his business go up in flames is something that in a million years, he never thought would happen.

“I lost everything,” Vance said.

Chief Marshall said they believe the fire started at the back of the House of Pizza and quickly spread to the basement. He said four buildings in this area have been deemed a total loss.

Members of the community said they would feel the loss of the beloved restaurant for a long time.

“Seeing it like this is just kind of heart-wrenching really,” community member, Miranda Madden, said.

People from Clinton, Laurens County and beyond gathered around the yellow tape all night and day, in disbelief.

“Clinton is a small tight-knit community,” Mayor Randall said. “Everybody knows everybody. These folks are our friends. When you lose a business, it’s really heartbreaking and devastating for everybody.”

Mayor Randall said he will continue to keep his head held high as the City of Clinton works to rebuild.

“Yeah, when you have a setback like this it’s tough,” Mayor Randall said. “We are going to keep smiling, put our shoulders down and keep moving forward.”

The fire is being investigated. A cause has not yet been determined.

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