WSMV learned at the scene that the fire had spread from the bottom floor to the attic and flames had taken off the entire roof as well as the right side of the home. WSMV spoke with the owner as well as the Franklin Fire Department. They said there was a construction crew inside working on last minute touches as well as some renovations when a small explosion occurred. A man who was with crews at the home at the time of the fire was taken to a nearby hospital. Franklin FD officials do not know the cause of the fire, but believe the small explosion started the fire. The homeowner said he was devastated because they had just completed last-minute renovations. Crews told WSMV the home was a total loss. However, the loss did not only affect the owners. “Upon our arrival, we had flames in the roof,” said Williamson Fire Chief Brian Jones. “There was a construction crew on site at the time doing some work inside the building. The owner of the Long Lane home did not want to go on camera, but said the loss was something they never imagined. “There are portions that we save, but between the water damage, the fire damage and the smoke damage, it’s probably going to be a total loss,” Jones said. While Jones said the loss of the home is troubling. There are a few things to be thankful for. The mansion stood there for 25 years in the community and everyone was sad to see it go. “It doesn’t affect the residents, who are in that area, because that neighborhood is under construction, the house wasn’t occupied, so we don’t have anybody displaced, they were close to moving out, but it wasn’t finished,” Jones said. A witness said she was with her sister outside when she heard what sounded like a burglar alarm. They said that after a few minutes they heard dozens of sirens coming from all directions on West Long Lane, Crowder and Gosey Hill. “A neighbor stopped by to tell us the house was on fire up to the roof and the structure looked like it was gone,” said Amanda Cooper, who witnessed the fire. Franklin Fire Department officials are investigating the cause of the fire. Copyright 2022 WSMV. All rights reserved.
