A vehicle fire briefly shut down the Cook Out restaurant in Southern Pines on Christmas Eve after a car caught fire in the drive-through. The incident was reported around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Cook Out on U.S. 1.
Authorities on scene told Sandhills Sentinel that the fire broke out after a newer model Kia Optima began smoking while in the drive-through, prompting the driver to exit the vehicle moments before it became fully engulfed in flames.
The driver was not injured, and she was able to get away safely. No other vehicles were damaged, and the fire did not cause damage to the restaurant building.
The vehicle was a standard gasoline-powered car and not a hybrid, according to information provided at the scene.
The fire marshal responded and is investigating the cause of the fire, which was still under investigation.
The restaurant is temporarily closed while crews work the scene and until it can be confirmed that the drive-through area is safe to reopen.
BJ Goodridge | Publisher
Article and video by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge. Feature photo contributed by Sandhills Sentinel reader Brittney Lewis.
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