Arson investigators are on the scene of a gas station explosion and fire in Tipton County.
Covington’s Fire Chief tells Local 24 they were called to the Volunteer Mart at 30 Highway 70 East in Mason, Tennessee, about 2:46 a.m. Friday. Mason is about 12 miles away from Covington, which has the closet full-time fire department. Mason, Charleston, and Three Star Volunteer Fire departments also responded.
The Chief says the store is a gas station/convenience store/laundry mat/auto shop. It was fully engulfed when they got there. Investigators say an explosion sparked the fire, and the store may be a total loss. The chief says as of now, it appears no one was injured.
They don’t yet know if the fire is arson, but Tennessee Bomb and Arson Investigators as well as the ATF are on the scene, combing through the remains.
From the City of Covington:
On September 22, 2017 at 0246 the Covington Fire Department received a call of a gas station explosion at 30 Hwy 70 in Mason, Tennessee (13 miles). Upon arrival the first arriving CFD unit reported heavy fire throughout the structure.
Defensive operations began immediately. The building was unstable with multiple walls and support structures missing. Mason Volunteer Fire Department, Three Star Volunteer Fire Department and Charleston Volunteer Fire Department assisted in suppression operations. Medic One Ambulance, Tipton County Sheriff’s Department, Mason P.D along with T.D.O.T. made the scene to assist with crowd and traffic control.
The T.B.I. Bomb and Arson Division was contacted to assist the Covington Fire Department Investigators on the scene. Upon Bomb and Arson arrival the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was requested to assist. The ATF is the lead agency on the investigation.
No injuries reported to civilians or first responders. Any additional information or questions should be directed to the local ATF office at 1-800-800-3855.
“The Covington Fire Department is committed to serving the citizens, business community, and visitors to the City of Covington with the highest levels of life, environment, and property conservation and protection. We will achieve this through prevention, education, preparation, response, and suppression. The department will deliver all services with the highest level of care, professionalism, and compassion to all those affected or in need of our services.”
Michael Naifeh,EFO, CFO
Fire Chief
Covington Fire Rescue
