TOWNSEND, Tenn. — No one was hurt after a fire destroyed a Townsend restaurant, Townsend Fire officials confirmed to WBIR.
Fire crews said they were first notified of the fire at Trailhead Steak & Trout House on E. Lamar Alexander Parkway around 4:50 a.m. Friday. When they arrived, the fire was coming through the roof and half the building was in flames.
Crews are investigating how the fire began. No one was inside as the building burned, according to Townsend Fire. They said a nearby fire hydrant helped extinguish the flames. Usually, they have to bring in their water supply, which delays them.
Don Stallions, the Townsend Area Volunteer Fire Chief, said around a third of the building was on fire when crews arrived.
"We encountered some really aggressive fire behavior which drove our crews out. It forced us to back up and move our trucks. So we didn't have control. It took about an hour. That's one reason why it's a total loss," Stallions said.
Now, the investigation is up to the police. Kevin Condee, the police chief, said it'll take them some time to enter the scene as it's too hot to investigate. Police flew a drone over the building getting photos and video for documentation and to determine if there are any hot spots that might flare back up.
"We won't know the causation of this fire for some time. These investigations take a little bit of time when they're done properly and thoroughly, which this one will be," Condee said.
Officials have started investigating and Condee said they should be able to get inside by Monday.
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.