Clinton Fire Devastates Downtown Businesses, But Community Spirit Shines Through

Late on Tuesday afternoon, a fire believed to have started on the deck of the House of Pizza in Clinton quickly escalated into a devastating blaze that engulfed the local eatery. The flames rapidly spread, threatening nearby businesses and putting Clinton’s historic downtown at risk. The Clinton Fire Department, supported by more than ten fire departments from across Laurens County and as far as Greenville, battled tirelessly to contain the inferno.

As the sun rose on Wednesday morning, the full extent of the tragedy became clear. The House of Pizza, Family Eye Care Center, Kingdom Hall, and Aspen and Fig gift shop were completely destroyed, while several other businesses, including Hoyt Hanvey Jewelers and Freshens, suffered heavy smoke and water damage. It is speculated that renovations made to Freshens a decade ago, including an upgraded firewall, may have helped contain the fire and prevented it from sweeping through the entire row of storefronts.

“Yesterday, our community faced an unimaginable loss, but in the face of this tragedy, we’ve seen the true strength of Clinton. The bravery of our firefighters and the outpouring of support from our residents remind us that we are more than just buildings—we are a community that stands together, even in the darkest of times,” said Mayor Randy Randall. “We will rebuild, and we will come back stronger than ever.”

As the fire raged, local law enforcement played a crucial role in securing the area, ensuring the safety of both the public and the firefighters at the scene. Meanwhile, residents of Clinton, shocked by the sight of smoke plumes filling the sky, rallied together to support the first responders. Cars and trucks lined up to deliver water and Gatorade, and local eateries like McDonald’s and Dempsey’s Pizza provided food for those on the front lines.

Dempsey’s Pizza, a well-known fixture in Clinton, stepped up in a particularly meaningful way. Having experienced a kitchen fire themselves in 2016, the owners know all too well the challenges ahead. When they were called by a local citizen to provide more pizza for first responders, they responded without hesitation. “Just give us 20 minutes,” they said, prioritizing support over payment, embodying the spirit of a community that cares for its own.

In the wake of this tragedy, Clinton is already showing signs of resilience. As the community comes together to heal, the focus now turns to supporting the business owners and workers who have lost their livelihoods. The road to recovery will be long, but the unwavering spirit of Clinton proves that the town will emerge stronger than ever.

It’s time to start healing, support one another, and remain #ClintonStrong.