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Old Hickory, TN (May 6, 2026) – A fire tore through half of a duplex on Berry St in Old Hickory early Wednesday, May 6, leaving one person hurt and the structure heavily damaged. The incident was reported around 5:30 a.m. in the 1300 block of Berry St.
A resident near the scene described hearing a loud popping sound and initially feared it was gunfire. Early findings suggest the sounds came from the fire itself — flames cracking and popping as they spread through the duplex. No evidence of gunfire was found at the scene.
Emergency units arrived to find the duplex fully involved in flames and moved quickly to contain the fire before it spread further. One person was reported injured as a result of the incident. The extent of that person’s injuries has not been confirmed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and additional details are expected to be released as they become available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they recover.
What Residents Should Know About Duplex Fires in Tennessee
Duplex fires present a particular challenge because two households share a single structure. When one unit catches fire, the other is immediately at risk, and residents may have very little time to evacuate safely. This shared wall situation can allow fire to spread faster than it would in a detached home.
Early morning fires are among the most dangerous, as many residents are asleep and may not detect smoke until a fire has already grown. Working smoke detectors placed inside each bedroom and in hallway areas can make a critical difference in those first moments. Tennessee fire safety guidelines recommend testing detectors monthly.
Unusual sounds — like popping or cracking — can sometimes be early signs of fire activity nearby. Residents who hear unexplained noises at night are encouraged to check for smoke and call 911 rather than investigate on their own.
