BROOKHAVEN — Popeyes may be closed for business until electrical damage caused by a fire Thursday morning can be fixed.  Power was subsequently out on Brookway Boulevard at a couple of stoplights and nearby businesses. 

Brookhaven Fire Department Chief Jeff Ainsworth said the electrical fire started in a heating unit at the restaurant. Popeyes is located at 991 Brookway Boulevard. 

“It caused some significant electrical damage,” Ainsworth said. “It is nothing you can see but it is damaged electrical wise. I’m not sure when they plan to open it back up but they will be closed for an undetermined amount of time.”

Ainsworth said in this specific situation there are no meters outside of the business to shutoff power. The main breaker box was concealed by smoke and the power company had to be called. He added Popeyes will have to install an external disconnect for the fire department or whoever needs to shut off power in the future. 

“When something happens that is when you realize things need to be updated,” Ainsworth said. “They have a good bit of work to do.”