EDITOR'S NOTE: Manninglive.com will be looking at the Top 15 stories of 2016, with a few updates here and there as available, over the next few days.
Sumter Fire Department Public Information Officer Joey Duggan said the investigation continues into what caused a popular restaurant on U.S. 378 to burn to the ground over the summer.
The Compass, which sits about three miles outside of Turbeville close to the 135 exit for Interstate 95, caught fire about 10:45 p.m. July 26 during one of its off days. Passersby familiar with the restaurant said the restaurant was typically open Thursday through Sunday.
Duggan said the Sumter Fire Department got the call about 10:45 p.m., and firefighters were on scene by 11 p.m.
“It was fully involved when we arrived,” said Duggan.
By 11:30 p.m., firefighters were focused on putting out hot spots remaining from the blaze.
