By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Camden, Tenn.–Camden Fire Chief Jerry Pierce said the damage to The Berry Clinic from this morning’s fire “is close to being a total loss” and said the state’s Bomb and Arson people are investigating the blaze. “That doesn’t necessarily mean we think it’s arson,” he said, “but whenever you have a loss of that much inventory–over a $1M inventory–you have to call them in to it.”
Pierce told WENK/WTPR that most of the fire damage is to the second floor of the clinic building, but smoke and water damage is extensive throughout the rest of the building.
Owners of The Berry Clinic have already indicated their plans to rebuild, he said.
Pierce also had a message for anyone who has any plans to try and break into the building now and steal medications: “There are no medications in that building now. All the medications have been taken somewhere else and are being stored.”
As WENK/WTPR reported Monday morning, a passerby noticed smoke coming out of a window on the second floor around 5 a.m. and called 911. Firefighters worked all day to contain the blaze which kept popping up in other areas in the building.
Pierce said there is some smoke and water damage to Keith Arnold’s insurance agency in the building next door, but no other damage to other buildings on that block.
Providing mutual aid were the Chalk Level, Eva and Sandy River Fire Departments and the Holladay fire department provided a water tanker.
Photo: Berry Clinic Owner Dr. Ken Berry watches fireman battle the blaze. (Bobby Melton photo)
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