By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Camden, Tenn.–Camden Firefighters have been battling a blaze in the center of downtown Camden since 5 a.m. and Benton Co. officials have announced that the courthouse, which is adjacent to the fire, will be closed today.
The two-story brick building on the south side of the court square houses the clinic of Dr. Ken Berry and was already damaged extensively as of 9 a.m., with firefighters were still battling the blaze.
Benton Co. EMA Director Richard Key, who is on the scene, said the decision was made to close the courthouse today. He told WENK/WTPR that mutual aid is being provided by Eva and Chalk Level Volunteer Fire Departments. Key said around 9 a.m. that a water tanker is on the way from Holladay/Mcillwain Volunteer Fire Department, Key said.
Bobby Melton from our friends at Catfish Radio in Camden told us that a passerby called 911 when he saw smoke coming out of the second story window at 5 a.m. He said Camden firefighters, whose fire station is located nearby, were at the scene right away.
Melton told us from the scene at 8:45 a.m., “It appeared that they had the fire contained a couple of times but it keeps starting back up. I just walked to the back of the building and there are flames shooting out of the top floor there.” He said the building is one of the oldest on the court square.
The office of Keith Arnold Insurance next door has smoke damage from the blaze, Melton said.
The streets around the court square are blocked off to allow firefighters and other emergency personnel room to work.
Photo by Bobby Melton.
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