CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — Firefighters put out a large fire at the Roosters on Greentree Boulevard in Clarksville.
The southern Indiana restaurant caught fire at around 5 a.m. on Monday morning, according to a Town of Clarksville press release.
Firefighters on scene found the restaurant filled with smoke. Crews began attacking the fire but soon had to take defensive measures due to the amount of smoke and intense heat.
Clarksville Fire Chief Brandon Skaggs said several pieces of furniture and equipment caught fire, making the situation more difficult.
“The building has one common attic space which allowed the fire to travel to the whole building,” Skaggs said. “The building has already suffered two collapses because of that, so we decided to go to defensive mode to protect our firefighters.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Skaggs said crews will use ladders and drones to safely determine what caused the fire.
John Fogel rode over on his bike after hearing about the fire on the news.
"I just really flipped when I heard it just like I didn't know what to say," Fogel said.
Skaggs said no one was injured in the fire. However, the building is a total loss. He says he feels for the owners and employees of Roosters.
"It's a great place to hang out and with March Madness coming up I'm sure they were anticipating a lot of business. I'm really sad for their workers too," Skaggs said.
Several customers and former employees have been stopping by this building. Community members hold an emotional attachment to the restaurant which will be forever missed.
All Fogel can think about is the memories he had in this building.
"It hurts, it really does I mean a building you used to work at, you had your children over here... you know," Fogel said.
The owners of this Roosters told WHAS11 off camera they are extremely devastated by the loss of this building. They are also in the process of working with the employees who are now out of a job.
Management created a GoFundMe to distribute money to nearly 80 Clarksville Roosters employees who have been impacted by its closure. Their goal is to raise a total of $5,000.
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