Light smoke at Olive Garden results in temporary evacuation

The Olive Garden on Hammons Boulevard in Joplin reportedly was briefly evacuated during the noon hour on Sunday after light smoke began to appear inside.

The Joplin Fire Department determined that the smoke was reportedly very likely the product of a cigarette someone had dropped on some mulch outside the building and had penetrated a wall area near the foundation of the building.

The restaurant reportedly was already evacuated by the time firefighters arrived and inspected the area in question from both inside and out.

The restaurant reportedly had to be cleared by the Joplin Health Department before normal operations could resume.

Firefighters from Joplin and Redings Mill responded.