fire marshall says thrift store fire set intentionally

By Submitted Reports

published: June 28 2007 04:51 PM updated:: July 02 2007 02:54 PM

The Sevierville Fire Department (SFD) has been investigating the cause of a fire that occurred on June 22, 2007 at the New Hope Thrift Store, 2510 Winfield Dunn Parkway (Hwy. 66). The fire completely destroyed the building.

According to SFD Fire Marshall Tommy White, it appears the fire was intentionally set.

"Evidence has been discovered indicating that some type of flammable or combustible liquid was used to accelerate the fire," Marshall White said today.

Evidence collected at the site will be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation crime lab in Nashville for analysis. It is not known at this time how long the analysis may take to complete.

In addition to SFD investigators, the City of Maryville Police Department assisted in the investigation. On Tuesday, June 26, Maryville K-9 Officer O'Neal and K9 Ember searched the fire scene. Ember is trained to detect flammable substances.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious persons or vehicles near the store around the time of the fire (approximately 7:50PM Friday, June 22, 2007), or who may have any information pertaining to this incident is requested to contact SFD Fire Marshall Tommy White at 865-453-9276.

Comments may take up to 10 minutes to appear due to site cache.