07/24/2026
FIRE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Athens Fire Department Responds to Commercial Fire on N. Congress Parkway
ATHENS, TENNESSEE – At approximately 12:43 a.m. on July 24, 2026, the Athens Fire Department (AFD) was dispatched to a possible commercial fire at Michaels Casual Dining on 925 N. Congress Parkway.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke conditions with fire visible on the roof around the kitchen hood vent. Battalion 3 took command and requested an additional alarm for manpower and aerial ladder response. Crews made entry through the rear of the building and quickly located the fire in the kitchen and brought it under control. The fire was contained to the kitchen and attic space above the washroom. Firefighters prevented it from spreading to other portions of the building. The incident resulted in smoke damage within the structure and fire damage in the kitchen area.
No injuries to employees or firefighters were reported.
Fire Chief, Brandon Ainsworth, commended the efforts of responding crews, stating, “quick response and aggressive fire operations by our crews prevented the damage to the structure from being much worse.”
AFD’s thoughts and prayers go out to the business affected by this fire.
The Athens Fire Department appreciates the cooperation of responding agencies that provided assistance and coverage for the City of the duration of the fire.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. For more information, please contact Brandon Ainsworth, Fire Chief at 423-744-2760 or [email protected].
