Madison County Arson Investigation
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MADISON COUNTY, Tenn.- The Madison County Fire Investigation Unit declared the county’s first official arson investigation this year, Monday. “I was shocked when my neighbors called me and told me that it had happened,” said neighbor Sue Harris. “That’s scary in my neighborhood.” Fire investigators in the unit have been searching for the cause of a suspicious blaze that nearly destroyed a home in Austin Cove. “I can’t imagine anybody would want to burn down that house this is a nice neighborhood mostly retired people up in here,” said neighbor Donald Regland. Firefighters said since the blaze, investigators have ruled out accidental and reckless burning. “We believe the fire was intentionally set we just don’t know the motive at this point,” said Capt. Don Friddle, Madison County Fire Investigation Unit. Officials said there was no water or electricity running to the house. Neighbors said it was currently vacant and on the market for sale with several interested buyers. “I hope it’s not somebody that just likes to see fires likes to see houses burn,” said Regland. Fire officials said they have determined a cause but are not releasing any information about the evidence collected. Friddle said once the cause is identified as Arson, the criminal investigation aspect is then passed onto the Sheriff’s Department and Tennessee Bomb and Arson Division of the State Fire Marshall’s Office. “I’m totally shocked and surprised I’m hoping that nothing like that happens out here it doesn’t look good for the area.” Friddle said the main factor that separates an arson from reckless burning is the intent when the blaze is started. If you have any information in this case call Madison County Sheriff’s Department at (731) 423-6000.
