WillaDean’s Fire Still Under Investigation, Says Hartwell Fire Chief

In Hartwell, the fire that destroyed newly opened WillaDean’s on Reed Creek Highway was likely an accident but the investigation is still ongoing.

That’s according to Hartwell Fire Chief Alan Daniel.

Speaking to the Hartwell Sun, Chief Daniel said surveillance cameras that were posted inside and outside of the restaurant are currently being reviewed.

Those videos will be turned over to the Fire Marshal’s office in Atlanta after a review of the footage by Chief Daniel.

Daniel said the insurance company is also conducting an investigation which is still ongoing and he was not able to release any more details on the fire itself.

The fire at the popular eatery broke out early on the morning of Tuesday, October 4.

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours closing part of Reed Creek Highway.

No one was inside at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Owned by John Putnum and Jackie Newman, WillaDeans opened just last spring and was receiving favorable reviews from the community for its menu and as a gathering place.