MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — Editor's Note: The original story incorrectly stated that the City of Morristown received a state grant in 2021 to renovate and preserve the historic Parks-Belk Building. The grant was received by B&M Investors, LLC—a private company.
Update (1/3): The Morristown Police Department said it arrested a man charged with arson in connection to a destructive fire at a historic building in downtown Morristown.
The Morristown Fire Department received calls about a fire at the historic Parks-Belk Building at around 9:08 p.m. Tuesday night. The building is located on Main Street.
Authorities said the fire had extended from the main floor of the building to the roof by 10:50 p.m. Billy Hale, the Morristown Fire Marshal, said the roof and several floors had collapsed Tuesday night. Authorities said the Cherry Cafe building also caught fire and was a total loss.
Hale initially said crews found no occupants and no injuries were reported in the fire, however, police said one firefighter was injured after crews fought the fire for more than 12 hours.
Hale said the building was vacant so it could be remodeled.
On Wednesday, police said 33-year-old Jeffrey Scott Cicirelli from Livonia, Michigan was charged with arson, reckless endangerment, burglary and vandalism in connection to the fire. Police said Cicirelli was staying at a motel for the past few days after his vehicle broke down. They said he was traveling through the area and they do not believe he had any connection to the Morristown area.
"Cicirelli came to the attention of police after patrol officers helping to secure the fire scene noticed him in the area asking questions to first responders," MPD said. "Police personnel worked diligently to collect evidence and identify the suspect. The MPD would like to express appreciation to the citizens who came forward with information and all who assisted in this investigation."
Court documents show that Cicirelli set the fire in multiple locations throughout the building. He admitted to placing five other full gas cans around the downtown area with plans of burning other buildings but changed his mind after watching the Parks-Belk Building burn.
A judge set his bond for $500,000.
In 2021, a private company received a state grant of around $36,500 to renovate and preserve the building.
Additional information about the fire, such as its cause, was not immediately available. This story will be updated when more information is available.
