The night sky in West Columbia was ablaze in orange early Saturday morning.

His House Ministries store at 764 Meeting Street caught fire about at 1 a.m. As units from the West Columbia Fire Department arrived on the scene, the building was fully engulfed in flames. Two buildings were destroyed.

West Columbia Fire Chief Chris Smith said as soon as the first units got to the fire, assistance was requested.
Units from Cayce, Columbia, Irmo and Lexington County came to help fight the massive fire that raged in the morning hours. Smith said the first call to report the fire indicated there was an entrapment, but no one was found and no one was hurt in the fire.

Residents of several houses close to the blaze were asked to evacuate as a precaution, but the fire never spread beyond the two thrift store buildings.

Meeting Street remained closed between 9th Street and Lucas Street into the light of day, Saturday. Fire personnel stayed on site to water down the smoldering ruins.

His House helps people recovering from substance abuse by providing housing.

There are also two Lexington locations of His House Ministries, and one in Columbia. They are at: 4357 Augusta Road, Lexington SC, 29073; 167 Hwy 378, Lexington SC 29072; and 3708 River Drive, Columbia SC 29201.