Three firefighters were injured while responding to the blaze.
Image from Fayetteville TN Police Department Facebook
A massive fire tore through downtown Fayetteville on Sunday, destroying at least four businesses and several residences.
On Monday morning, Fayetteville Public Works crews worked to secure the area, ensuring safety around the rubble.
Jack Williams, Fayetteville Public Works director, shared the efforts being made by his team.
"There was a lot of debris that was thrown out by the fire itself. Nails and everything. Kind of debris blown off the building so we are sweeping and cleaning. We are going to try to open up some more parking. Biggest thing is secure the scene," said Williams.
Fayetteville leaders and Fayetteville Main Street are stepping in to assist small business owners and families affected by the fire.
Brittany Holcomb, founder of The Skin Refinery, witnessed her business turn into rubble. "Within 10 to 15 minutes, ours was full ablaze as well," said Holcomb.
Despite the devastation, her primary concern was for the safety of the firefighters and nearby buildings.
"Honestly I was worried about all the firefighters," said Holcomb. "Huntsville was being called in because wind was pushing it to buildings behind us so we were concerned about the other buildings and honestly we were concerned about the whole entire block."
Alderman Joseph Faulkner says he was deeply affected as he watched the flames engulf the historic district.
"You just never feel like it's going to be something that impacts your town. It was just so devastating to watch and see that," said Faulkner.
However, Faulkner remains optimistic about the town's recovery. "This is not going to be a stopper for Fayetteville. We know we will build back and these shop owners are committed to doing that," he said.
Faulkner says Mayor Hartman has been proactive in reaching out to state and federal representatives for support.
"She's been in contact with a lot of the state representatives and even from the federal level," Faulkner said.
Fayetteville Main Street is actively collecting online donations, with all proceeds going toward helping small business owners rebuild.
Click if you would like to donate to Fayetteville Main Street.
"In this community we've seen heartbreak and tragedy strike before and we know that this community comes together and this is just another example of how this community loves each other as neighbors and will come and support each other and lift each other up," Faulkner said.
A Community Plate BBQ Fundraiser is being held on Feb. 19 at 2 Hicks with Sticks BBQ and Catering. It will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Only 100 plates are available and they must be preordered. All of the proceeds will go directly to the impacted businesses.
Click if you would like to preorder a plate.
