Police encourage information on person of interest
Investigators are still looking for leads on the person of interest in the Salty Nut Cafe arson fire of which the Columbia-Richland Fire Department was notified at 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 6.
Phil Hopewell, the general manager of Salty Nut Cafe, said an official estimate from the insurance company should arrive today. The fire spread because the building lacked a sprinkler system, according to Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins. Hopewell said he will add a sprinkler system to the building after repairs if necessary.
“The fact this was started maliciously changes our view,” Hopewell said about the added protection a sprinkler would have provided if the fire had been a kitchen fire. “When somebody deliberately wants to burn something down, they probably will, no matter what system you have in.”
Hopewell said he and authorities are looking at cameras around Five Points to look for the person of interest. Anyone who has a lead on the person in the photo can contact Hopewell through email, found on the Salty Nut Cafe website, or the arson hotline, which is posted on the outside of the building. a
Hopewell estimated it will be at least two months before the restaurant will be ready to open. South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control and the fire department will have to inspect the building, Hopewell said. He added that the arson caused fire, smoke and water damage.
“We look forward to reopen as soon as possible,” Hopewell said.