CiCi’s pizza buffet evacuated after smoke seen in building caused by nearby construction

Restaurant-goers and employees at the CiCi’s pizza buffet were forced to evacuate from the restaurant Monday afternoon after smoke could be seen in the restaurant caused by a nearby construction site.

Columbia firefighters responded to the restaurant located at 141-A Pelham Drive along Garners Ferry Road in reference to smoke inside of the structure.

Brick Lewis, a department spokesman, said when firefighters arrived there was smoke coming from inside of the structure and the employees and customers had been evacuated from the building.

Further investigation revealed that there was no fire in the restaurant, and the smoke or haze that could be seen was caused by dust coming from a construction site that was located in the same building but two doors down.

Lewis said the dust from the construction site was being pulled through the buildings ventilation unit. The restaurant will remain closed until the building can be cleared of the dust.

This story was originally published March 30, 2015 at 3:25 PM.