Historic Main Street Building Fire Under Investigation In Franklin

Press release from the City of Franklin:

January 23, 2021

Franklin, TN - The Franklin Fire Department is investigating the cause of a Main Street fire that significantly damaged the Red Pony restaurant this morning.

Firefighters were dispatched to a fire alarm activation at the two-story historic building, located at 408 Main St., at 4:06 AM. Upon arrival, they observed heavy smoke and flames in the back of the building, according to Franklin Fire Battalion Chief Joe Polenzani.

Polenzani said the fire appeared to have originated on the exterior of the building, at the rear of the structure. He also said it appeared to have been burning for some time, and eventually extended into the building. Heat from the fire caused two fire sprinkler heads on the second floor to activate, which triggered the automatic fire alarm and the Franklin Fire Department's response.

Polenzani said the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. Firefighters protected adjacent historic buildings and businesses, including Walton’s Jewelry, Jondie’s clothing boutique, and The Heirloom Shop. Polenzani estimated the damage at $300,000.

***Gas and electric service to the 400 block of Main Street (4th Avenue North to Five Points) on the Red Pony side of the street have been shut off while repairs are being made. Crews are on-scene working to isolate the outage to the Red Pony building.***

This press release was produced by the City of Franklin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.