Florence firefighters Tuesday morning were on the scene of a fire at a restaurant.

Crews responded to a fire reported at Dick Howell’s BBQ, 1350 N. Pine St.

Police are asking drivers to avoid the area of Sherrod Avenue between Pine Street and Mitchell Street.

“The Florence Fire Department is on scene with a water hydrant hose making this portion of the street impassible,” police said in a social media post.

The restaurant has been in business since 1947 when it was opened by Dick and Amelia Howell. It’s known for its hot mustard slaw served with a pulled pork sandwich.

Florence Fire got a report of the fire just after 8 a.m. Fire crews from Stations Nos. 1 and 3 were dispatched to a report of a structure fire.

Engine No. 3 arrived within two minutes to find heavy fire showing in the rear of the structure. Its crew “made a quick knockdown of the fire, preventing it from spreading to the remainder of the building,” the department stated in a social media post.

“Engine No. 1, Tower No. 1, and Rescue No. 2 assisted with water supply, ventilation, and overhaul.

Dick Howell’s was the scene of a similar fire in 2019.