Columbia Fire Department Identifies Cause of McDonald's Fire on Providence Road
The Columbia Fire Department has concluded its investigation into a fire that forced the closure of a newly opened McDonald's on Providence Road in Columbia. The fire, which occurred less than two months after the restaurant's grand opening, was determined to be accidental, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. The incident took place around 4 p.m. on a Tuesday, with firefighters arriving to find smoke and flames emanating from the building. Two firefighters were treated for heat-related illnesses, but no civilian injuries were reported. The McDonald's, located in the 200 block of South Providence Road, was built on the site of a former Hardee's. Restoration efforts are underway, with caution tape and visible damage marking the site. 
