A swift response by the Athens Fire Department (AFD) saved a local business from catastrophic damage early this morning after a fire broke out at Michaels Casual Dining on N. Congress Parkway.

Dispatchers called crews to the restaurant at 925 N. Congress Pkwy. at approximately 12:43 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy smoke and visible flames on the roof surrounding the kitchen hood vent.

Recognizing the potential danger, Battalion 3 assumed command and called for a second alarm to secure additional manpower and aerial ladder support. Firefighters forced entry through the rear of the building, battling through smoke to locate the blaze in the kitchen.

Thanks to an aggressive interior attack, crews successfully brought the fire under control, keeping the damage confined strictly to the kitchen area and the attic space above the washroom. The rest of the structure sustained smoke damage, but firefighters successfully prevented the flames from spreading throughout the dining area and nearby building space.

No injuries to employees or firefighters were reported.

“Quick response and aggressive fire operations by our crews prevented the damage to the structure from being much worse,” said Fire Chief Brandon Ainsworth, praising the rapid work of the responding teams.

Chief Ainsworth also expressed the department’s support for the business during this difficult time and extended thanks to neighboring partner agencies that assisted and provided emergency coverage for the city during the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone seeking additional information is asked to contact Fire Chief Brandon Ainsworth at 423-744-2760 or via email at [email protected]