AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Fire Department said a fire at Franklin Barbecue in Austin caused about $200,000 in damage to the structure.
Just after 5:30 a.m., Austin Fire tweeted that the second floor of the restaurant, was heavily-involved and that crews were going defensive.
A photo shared with Spectrum News by Joseph Lai showed heavy fire coming from the roof of the popular Austin eatery, located at 900 E 11th Street.
Photo: Joseph Lai
About six fire units responded to the call.
At 6:06 a.m., crews tweeted that the fire was under control.
Photo: Joseph Lai
Investigators said the fire occurred in the pit area of the business, which is separated from the restaurant area.
Austn Fire said a wind blown ember from fire pit ignited combustible surroundings, causing the fire.
There was some damage to the kitchen area and only minimal smoke damage to the restaurant.
About $150 in content was damaged.
Austin Fire said one barbecue cook was working at the time of the fire and was able to escape the flames.
Four of the seven smokers were in use when the fire broke out.
Fire officials said the cook had been working since midnight.
Aaron Franklin, the owner of the restaurant, is at the scene.
The restuarant tweeted that they are unsure when the business will reopen, but that everyone was safe.
A fire in our smokehouse this morning has forced us to close. We are not sure when we will reopen but everyone is safe here.
— Franklin Barbecue (@FranklinBbq) August 26, 2017
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