FOREST ACRES (WACH) -- Officials say a building burning on Forest Drive has forced authorities to block traffic.
Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says the blaze started when a heater using recycled oil malfunctioned at the AAA office near the GoodYear shop around 1 p.m. Monday.
Jenkins also says Forest Drive, from Clemson Ave. to Trenholm Rd., will be closed until just before 4 p.m. as crews continue to battle the fire. Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
About a dozen customers and employees were inside when the fire started. They all made it to safety.
Witnesses say they heard an explosion around the time the blaze started.
Heavy smoke could be seen on the horizon from downtown Columbia.
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