A Columbia-area restaurant was heavily damaged in 2-alarm fire. Where it started
A popular Midlands Asian restaurant sustained heavy damage in a weekend fire, and officials have shared details on where that blaze started in the eatery.
The Columbia Fire Department responded Saturday morning to the Hibachi Express at 2313 N. Beltline Blvd in Forest Acres, per a Saturday social media post from the department. Upon arrival, firefighters reportedly found flames and heavy smoke pouring from the restaurant, which sits at the end of a small shopping strip on North Beltline.
The first arriving crews triggered a second alarm, calling more personnel to the scene, the post said. The restaurant was open at the time, and all employees were able to make it out safely.
“The fire was contained to the restaurant and extinguished, but the building has been left with significant damages,” the fire department said on social media.
In a follow-up Facebook post on Sunday, the fire department said that investigators determined that the fire “got started with a heating device that was placed on the floor.” The department urged residents to be cautious when using alternative heating sources during cold weather.
Hibachi Express has been known for its various Asian dishes, including teriyaki chicken, miso soup, lo mein, hibachi shrimp and more. A potential reopening date for the restaurant has not been announced.
This story was originally published February 2, 2026 at 9:09 AM.
