Disaster Averted after Fire erupts at Uncle Mick’s Cajun Restaurant; PFD, Citizens get High Praise from Mayor

BY TATUM NORTHINGTON AND SARAH STEPHENS-EAN

PHOTOS BY AUSTIN SPEIGNER – EAN and ASHLEY SMITH CONWAY, WHO MADE 911 CALL

Top Photo by Ashley Smith Conway taken shortly after firefighters arrived and smoke was still visible coming from the building.

Prattville’s Deputy Fire Chief Josh Bingham reports there is substantial damage to Uncle Mick’s Cajun Restaurant in historic downtown Prattville after a 911 call from a citizen alerted authorities to smoke coming from the building around 9 p.m. Thursday.

However, it is hoped most of the damage can be repaired. Other than light smoke damage to some surrounding buildings, there was no report of injuries to civilians or firefighters. Bingham said it could have been much worse.

The 911 first call came around 9 p.m. Firefighters on scene asked for additional assistance when they arrived. Once on scene, smoke and flames could be seen from the top of the building. Firefighters worked together quickly to contain the blaze to Uncle Mick’s before it could spread to other downtown buildings such as the P’Zazz Art Studio and the old Whitney Bank, now owned by the City of Prattville.

Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie described Uncle Mick’s as a “fixture” in downtown, an extremely popular place, and the interior housed a lot of unusual artifacts and antiques.

“The City of Prattville will offer any assistance we can to Uncle Mick’s and we hope to see them back open and running as soon as possible,” the Mayor said.

He had high praise for the Prattville Fire Department, who he said acted swiftly, professionally and had the scene under control.

“We are very fortunate there were some citizens downtown that called this in,” Gillespie said. “Had it been much longer before the fire was discovered, this could be a totally different story. But with the training and technology we have available now, the firefighters were able to knock this one out quickly. They did an excellent job.”

One of those citizens is Ashley Smith Conway, who told the EAN she smelled what was similar to bonfire. She was at the Craft House and walked outside to see smoke pouring from Uncle Mick’s. She immediately called 911, and then called the owners of Uncle Mick’s.

In the light of day tomorrow, hopefully the owners can get a better idea of the work that will be needed. The Fire Marshal’s office is assisting in the investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

While there is some light smoke damage to P’Zazz Art Studio and the old Whitney Bank, Gillespie said he is confident it will be repaired and restored.

He referenced the 2004 fire that destroyed the multi-story Cobb Building across from Uncle Mick’s. The building was a total loss, and today where it once stood is an alley and entrance to the Creek Walk.

“We are just so very thankful there was no loss of life and no injuries,” Gillespie said.

We will continue to update this story and keep our readers up to date on the status of Uncle Mick’s. We ask you to keep the owners and staff in good thoughts, as it is unknown at this time how long the business will be closed for repairs.