Franklin Fire and Rescue was dispatched at 8:28 a.m. Sunday to a fire in the Village Plaza shopping center on Highlands Rd.
According to Franklin Fire Chief Justin Setser, FFR’s Squad 4 was on scene at 8:30 a.m. and the first engine arrived at 8:31. Cullasaja, Mountain Valley, Cowee and Clarks Chapel fire departments responded to the fire alongside Franklin while West Macon Fire and Rescue stood by at Franklin’s station to cover any other calls.
When the firefighters arrived they found fire in the kitchen and rear of El Charro Mexican Grill and the fire spread through the attic to other businesses, according to Setser.
Seven businesses in the shopping center experienced major fire, smoke and water damage, Setser said. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Franklin Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation.
The fire was under control by 8:59 a.m. with no civilian injuries. Setser said one firefighter was checked into Angel Medical Center but was discharged Sunday afternoon. The department left the scene at 3:51 p.m.
Setser said, “We would like to thank all the departments involved, Franklin Police, Squad 4, Macon County EMS, Angel Medical Center, Macon County Dispatch Franklin Public Works and NC SBI.”
Tammy Holland, who owns the building, said she is still waiting for reports from the fire marshal to examine the extent of damage to the building. Holland said she wanted to extend thanks to the community for their support for the businesses which were affected by the fire.
"I would like to say thank you to all the fire departments ... to everyone who came out to support the firefighters," she said.