Richland County deputies investigate fire at Pandora Club as arson

A fire that broke out early Monday morning at the Pandora Club on Bush River Road could possibly be the result of arson, according to officials.

Sgt. Kevin Lawrence, a Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesman, said the Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was the result of arson and turned the investigation over to the sheriff’s department.

Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said two firefighters received medical treatment while battling the fire. Both are expected to recover.

Jenkins said firefighters were dispatched to a two-alarm structure fire at 5 a.m. Monday in the 800 block of Bush River Road. When firefighters arrived, Jenkins said, they observed heavy smoke and fire coming from the building.

In August, Richland County officials closed down the club, which was intended to operate as a sushi restaurant, for operating as an “illegal strip club.”

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 8:32 AM.