🌱 Fallen Leaf Drive House Fire + New COVID-19 Testing Site

Happy Saturday, Columbia! Let's get this day started. Here's everything worth knowing today in town.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 51 Low: 26.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. The Columbia Fire Department rescued two pets from a house fire on Friday morning. They responded to the fire at about 9:00 AM on Fallen Leaf Drive. The fire caused excessive damage to the home, but the family and their pets made it out without being injured. (Subscription: The State)
2. According to a study from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, Columbia has one of the highest home break-in rates in the United States. Columbia ranked 45th out of the top 50 on the list. In 2020, there were 4,335 burglaries reported in Columbia. (Index-Journal)
3. Another new COVID-19 testing site has opened up among the surge of cases. This site is at The Columbia Place Mall Site and replaces the Bull Street location, which now only offers vaccinations. The site is open seven days a week from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. (Abccolumbia.com)

Today in Columbia:

• Columbia Home Building And Remodeling Expo At Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (10:00 AM)
• Beethoven & Blue Jeans At South Carolina Philharmonic (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Just in from the U.S. National Weather Service, regarding the upcoming winter weather potentially hitting South Carolina this weekend: "Remember, forecasts change frequently so don’t forget to continue tuning into your local broadcasts during this time and adjust accordingly." (Facebook)
• PETSinc is encouraging people to take the "Betty White Challenge" and donate just $5 in her name to local shelters. (Facebook)
• The State Museum is aware of the winter weather threat this upcoming Sunday and is keeping a close eye on the forecast for possible disruptions. Follow for any announcements regarding delays or closures on the museum's social media pages. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Top 10 Divorce Mistakes & How to Avoid Them – Vesta's South Carolina Hub (January 20)
• Add your event

Loving the Columbia Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.