Kerry Gilstrap/Courier
A fallen ceiling fan and other burned debris is pictured inside Michael’s Pizzeria, which was destroyed by fire in Easley on Monday.

EASLEY — No one was hurt as fire destroyed a popular Easley restaurant early Monday morning.

According to Easley Fire Department Capt. J.D. Willis, firefighters received a call at 6:29 a.m. about a fire at Michael’s Pizzeria, located at 101 N. Main St.

Willis said the fire was contained to the business and extinguished, although some adjoining businesses did have smoke inside them.

Willis said there were no smoke detectors or fire supression equipment noticeable in the building.

In a message posted to Facebook on Tuesday, owner Michael Hedrick said the pizzeria “will have to be totally rebuilt.”

Hedrick thanked community members for their support.

“People have come out of the woodwork to lend a hand and give some much-needed moral support,” he said.

Hedrick said he was most concerned with the annual Miracle Hill Christmas party hosted by the pizzeria every year and having 20 employees without a job going into the holidays.

He said 5 Point Church had already offered to host the Miracle Hill party, “and Jack Drawdy and friends are going to help us with organizing the needs list and kids’ individual needs.”

Hedrick said he had been receiving notes of encouragement and donations, which he said will go to employees and their families.

“It’s all very overwhelming to live in a town that’s so generous,” he said. “Thank you so much to the anonymous givers and your notes of encouragement — you have no idea what that means to me.

“I had 286 missed calls yesterday, 93 text messages and 120 emails. I couldn’t get back to everyone, but I appreciate all the support more than you’ll ever realize.”