Franklin, TN – A Franklin firefighter was injured this afternoon after falling through a second-floor balcony to the porch below while battling an apartment building fire.

The incident occurred at the IMT Cool Springs apartment complex, located at 101 Gillespie Drive. The Franklin Fire Department was dispatched at 3 PM after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire. The first units arrived within five minutes and confirmed a working fire in Building 5, a three-story, 24-unit structure. 

Franklin Fire Chief Glenn Johnson said the fire appeared to have started on the exterior rear of the building and spread into the attic. Although the apartments are equipped with fire sprinklers, he noted that the attics are not.

He said multiple residents will be displaced from at least six to 12 units, and the American Red Cross is assisting affected residents.

Johnson said the injured firefighter’s identity and details about injuries sustained are not being released at this time. He added that the cause of the fire is under investigation, and that units remained on scene for several hours to fully extinguish hot spots and ensure the fire was completely out. 

Chief Johnson also thanked the multiple agencies that responded and assisted on scene, including Brentwood Fire & Rescue, which provided automatic aid, as well as the Franklin Police Department, Williamson Health EMS, and the American Red Cross.

“Our crews and partner agencies worked tirelessly under difficult conditions,” Johnson said. “Our injured firefighter is receiving excellent care, and we’re grateful for the community’s concern and support.” 

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