Parks Belk Building fire in Downtown Morristown Tenn from January 2, 2024

Morristown Fire Department responded to a fire Tuesday night at 9:08 p.m. at the Parks Belk building at 104 West Main Street.
A Michigan man was charged with arson in the case.
Despite the severity of the fire itself, the Morristown Fire Department, along with assistance from the Hamblen County Rescue Squad and the Jefferson City Fire Department, was able to contain the fire to the Parks Belk building.
The building was vacant and beginning to undergo renovation. As Wednesday evening firefighters were still on scene with a ladder and engine company identifying and attacking hot spots, which are now predominately located in the basement level.
Fire Chief Clark Taylor said, “The firefighters did a tremendous job containing this fire through the night. In an environment like our downtown, there is always concern for fire spreading to additional structures, but thanks to this response - including support from the Rescue Squad and the Jefferson City Fire Department - the damage has thankfully been limited considerably.”
The City and the Fire Department also extends its thanks to support provided by the Hamblen County Emergency Management Agency, the Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Departments in back-filling the local stations during response, the City’s Public Works Department and the Police Department.
Fire Marshal, Billy Hale said, “All of Morristown and Hamblen County truly came together in this response with all available resources. The Police Department’s drone with thermal imaging capabilities played a critical role in identifying problem areas throughout the event.”
Drivers that typically pass through downtown will need to use alternate routes while response continues. South Cumberland from First North Street to Morris and Main Street from Hill Street to Henry Street remain closed. Likewise, sections of overhead sidewalk in proximity to the scene are closed until thorough inspections can be conducted.
Due to the nature of the fire and the condition of the building, personnel were unable to make a full sweep of the building, but at this time, there are no known fatalities or serious injuries. One firefighter sustained a minor injury working in the vicinity of the scene.
“At the height of the event, we had four aerial trucks attacking the fire in addition to the firefighters on the ground. We estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water per minute were put on the building over the course of several hours,” said Hale.
Mayor Gary Chesney commended the department noting that, “The professionalism and training of our fire department is second to none. Together with the mutual aid support we received, and the valuable firefighting resources Morristown is so fortunate to have, I believe that we have avoided what could have been a much greater tragedy. The loss of this iconic building at the center of the city is certainly tragic, but I have no doubt that the growth and vitality we have seen downtown in recent years will continue. And I am certain that this corner will soon return as a cornerstone to downtown.”
While certain street sections and portions of the Skymart overhead sidewalk will be closed temporarily, downtown is open for business, shopping, dining, and visiting downtown. The railroad parking lot, Farmers Market parking and other off street parking areas remain open, making downtown businesses accessible. Pedestrians are asked to be mindful of any areas that are marked off for closures as we continue to encourage shoppers to frequent our many downtown establishments.
Due to its location immediately across the street from the Parks-Belk building, 1907 Brewing Company will be unable to open for customer access until additional inspections of Parks-Belk’s structure can be conducted.
Investigators will Investigators will be able to begin a more thorough investigation once the fire is completely out. The City is also engaging a structural engineer to assess the integrity of the building and the adjacent overhead sidewalks.
www.citizentribune.com

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WOW Incredible photos

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Almost looks like the fire at the cold storage building in Worcester Ma. on Dec.3 1999, Worcester fire lost six fire fighters that night.

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That is so tragic to hear. All firemen are real heros