Bowman, S.C. (WACH) — An iconic attraction in South Carolina has burned to the ground.
The UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, known for its unique purpose and design is now the scene of an investigation.
“A fire started it and now a fire took it out.” Said Jody Pendarvis who is left picking up the pieces.
The owner of the UFO Welcome Center is left with a pile of ash and rubble after nearly 30 years.
He woke up in disbelief Thursday morning.
“No, it can’t be, impossible all I got is a little TV set in there, I don’t think it started it.” Said Jody.
“Yeah, we got some calls around 7 about the fire and by the time we got here and arrived on scene the UFO center was pretty much on the ground and then we started attacking it and putting water on it and then the mobile home that he used for storage caught on fire.” Said Thomas Westbury, Bowman Fire Chief.
People from all around have been coming to see the attraction for years and Pendarvis says he was shocked when people started coming after he first built it.
“Really you come all the way here from savannah or Greenville just to come see the UFO. One person say well actually I came from Plymouth England.” Said Jody.
A staple in the bowman community for decades is now gone, and it’s future is uncertain.
“it meant a lot to me, it’s almost like my second life, yeah, now that it burnt up I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ll think about rebuilding.” Said Jody.
“I know some people are going to be sad that it’s gone, and I know Jody’s sad because he put a lot of time and effort in this thing.” Said Chief Westbury.
Now fire crews are investigating what caused this fire but there is no timeline on when they will have answers.
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