Massive downtown fire destroys several buildings in South Carolina
Early-morning blaze broke out in downtown Walhalla
WALHALLA, S.C. (WBTV) - A massive fire destroyed several downtown buildings in South Carolina early Thursday morning.
The blaze reportedly broke out around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 17, along Main Street in downtown Walhalla.
Sister-station WHNS reported that seven buildings were destroyed, including some that were believed to have been more than 100 years old. Among the businesses impacted were multiple restaurants, a coffee shop, and an antique shop.
Pictures and videos obtained by WHNS showed massive flames coming from the building. The fire seemed to have been out by sunrise but the rubble continued to smolder later Thursday morning as bricks and debris littered Main Street.
Walhalla Mayor Tim Hall told WHNS he was grateful the situation was not worse.
“As devastating as it is, it could have been even worse,” Hall said.
“The city is committed to doing everything that we can to help these business owners get back on their feet any way that we can do that, any way possible,” the mayor went on. “Walhalla is a resilient community, and we will build back.”
Walhalla Councilwoman Sarai Melendez wrote on Facebook that her “stomach dropped” upon hearing news of the fire.
“I spoke with one of the business owners this morning,” Melendez said in her post. “He had stepped away to pick up his morning run, not knowing that while he was gone, his daughter would be the one to call and tell him what had happened.
“Today feels like a loss for all of us. Main Street is more than buildings. It is the heart of our community. These small businesses are part of our stories, our gatherings, our celebrations, and the identity of Walhalla.”
It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the blaze, although a state representative indicated there were no fatalities.
Officials have not yet publicly said what started the blaze.
Walhalla is in the South Carolina mountains, not far from the Tennessee and Georgia borders.
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