(FRANKLIN TN)  A major Saturday morning blaze on Main Street in neighboring Franklin heavily damaged the historic building that housed the Red Pony Restaurant. The Franklin Fire Department was alerted at 4:06AM by the fire alarm in the structure.

Franklin Fire Battalion Chief Joe Polenzani said, "Upon arrival, they observed heavy smoke and flames in the back of the building."

He noted that the fire appeared to have originated on the exterior of the building, at the rear of the structure. 

The battalion chief explained that it appeared to have been burning for some time, and eventually extended into the building. Heat from the fire caused two fire sprinkler heads on the second floor to activate, which triggered the automatic fire alarm and the Franklin Fire Department's response.

Polenzani said the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. 

Firefighters protected adjacent historic buildings and businesses, including Walton’s Jewelry, Jondie’s clothing boutique, and The Heirloom Shop. 

Polenzani estimated the damage at $300,000.