Flames consumed the fire pit at Old Hickory Pit BBQ in Owensboro Saturday afternoon.

The fire was caused by build up in the venilation system, but firefighters contained the fire before it could spread.
The dining room and kitchen sustained minor smoke and water damage. No one from Old Hickory Barbecue was injured.

“You couldn’t see two feet in front of you,”There was nothing but smoke.”

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Spain

The Owensboro fire chief said fires like this are not uncommon for BBQ joints.

“If they were just cooking with gas it would be different, but they’re burning wood and things like this will happen time to time.”

John Foreman is the fifth generation of Foremans who have operated the Old Hickory Bar-B-Q in Owensboro, Ky.

The barbecue was started by his great-great-grandfather Charles “Pappy” Foreman in 1918. Charles Foreman was a blacksmith when he began barbecuing mutton at the restaurant’s first location. John has been working at the restaurant since he was 10 years old.

Although he has added a rotisserie pit, fueled by both gas and wood, Foreman said the bulk of the meat is cooked over hickory.