Church Blaze in Memphis Intentionally Set

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The Memphis Fire Department responded to an alarm of fire at 1070 Rozelle Street, Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 6:01 a.m. Upon arrival on the scene at 6:04 a.m., firefighters reported fire visible from the one story wood-frame church. Rescue and Firefighting operations began immediately.

Eighteen (18) pieces of Fire/Rescue/EMS equipment and forty (40) emergency response personnel ultimately responded to the call. Acting Battalion Chief M. Johnson was the commanding officer of this incident. The fire was brought under control at approximately 6:17 a.m. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries as a result of this incident.

It has been determined that the structure did not have a sprinkler system. The structure sustained smoke, fire and water damage. Total damage estimates are undetermined. The Memphis Fire Investigation Unit, State Fire Marshal's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) have determined that the fire was intentionally set. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH (2274) or the State Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017. You could be eligible to receive a cash reward from Crime Stoppers of Memphis and Shelby County, Inc.

The Memphis Fire Department urges all citizens to maintain a working smoke detector in their place of residence. Any City of Memphis resident can apply for a free smoke detector by contacting the Fire Museum of Memphis at (901) 320-5650. Always have a plan of escape in case there is a fire. Also remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. For all other FIRE/EMS NON-EMERGENCY issues please dial (901) 458-8281.



Author:Memphis Fire Department Press Release