Sheriff says Gibson Co. fire likely arson to cover up burglary

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Fire officials say arson is to blame for a house fire, and it could be to cover up a burglary.

Gibson County fire officials say they rushed Monday afternoon to the 200 block of State Route 186 North where a home was engulfed in flames.

They say the fire started in the master bedroom and that no one was inside the home at the time.

So far, no arrests have been made.

“We believe that whoever broke into the house — we did have a TV and a couple firearms stolen — we do believe that whoever perpetrated that probably lit the fire to cover up some of their tracks or maybe throw us off the track of a burglary,” Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas said.

Fire Chief Bryan Cathey says anyone with information should call the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.