The cause of an early afternoon fire Friday that heavily damaged a brick home on Crestview Street near Athens Bible School was not immediately known although a transformer popped behind the home causing some concern in the neighborhood.

“We don’t have a cause right now, but we are still looking into it,” said Athens Assistant Fire Chief Danny Southard. “Foul play is definitely not involved .”

Athens Utilities sent a crew to repair the blown transformer that apparently sent some wiring to the ground. Southard said there is no evidence to indicate the transformer may have caused the fire.

“I don’t know anything about the transformer,” he said. “Athens Utilities is handling that.”

The home of Owen and Carol Griggs at 402 Crestview Street near Ryan Street caught fire and was damaged throughout. Heavy fire damage was reported to the kitchen, dining and utility areas. Southard said there was heavy heat and smoke damage throughout the three bedroom home.

The Athens Fire Department dispatched two engines and nine firefighters to the scene of the 1:58 p.m. blaze. There were no injuries reported from the fire.

Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately one hour before getting it under control.

“No one was at home at the time the fire broke out,” Southard said. “Mr. and Mrs. Griggs were at work at the time.”

Southard said the investigation into what might have caused the fire will continue until hopefully that can be determined.