Updated with additional information from homeowner.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – An empty house was destroyed in a suspicious fire in southeast Montgomery County Thursday afternoon.
At about 12:32 p.m., multiple Montgomery County Fire stations responded to 849 Oak Plains Road for a structure fire, according to Chief Michael Rios. They arrived to see flames coming through the collapsed roof and out of the windows. Firefighters had the fire under control by about 2:30 p.m., using a water tanker and drafting pools to pump water onto the house.
No injuries were reported.
Near the scene, firefighters found empty gas cans, along with what appeared to be canisters of brake cleaner, starting fluid and tire shiner, and with recent charring on the ground, Rios told Clarksville Now.
The property owner contacted Clarksville Now on Friday and said there was only one gas can. He said he had a permit to burn leaves in that spot a few days earlier. He said he gave up because the leaves were too wet, and he left the can nearby. He said that spot is not near the house.
Fire crews had previously responded to the property, two weeks ago, Rios said. At that incident, a family member admitted starting a fire. The property’s primary residence is about 200 yards from the home that burned down Thursday.
Fire investigators from Montgomery County Fire Service and Montgomery County Sheriff‘s Office are investigating.
DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Clarksville Now app