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Drones helped contain fire at historic Parks-Belk Building in downtown Morristown

According to the city, the drones were used to help detect where the fire was spreading so firefighters would know where to direct water.

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — Advanced technology helped make sure a fire at a historic building didn't continue to spread in Morristown.

A fire broke out during the evening of Jan. 2 at the Parks-Belk Building on Main Street in Morristown. It was later ruled an arson, and a Michigan man was identified and arrested for setting the fire. Authorities said he admitted to plans to start other fires. However, drones helped make sure the fire at the historic building was contained.

According to a post on social media by Morristown leaders, the Morristown Police Department's Drone Unit used drones to detect where heat from the fire was spreading, which showed them where the fire was most likely to spread.

The unit could then tell firefighters where they needed to concentrate water the most, keeping it from spreading and helping them strategically approach the fire.

"This teamwork between the Morristown Fire Department and Police Department prevented this tragedy from escalating and saved neighboring historical properties," the city said on social media.

The area around the Parks-Belk Building was closed and remained closed on Friday, as crews continued to work at the site of the fire.

DRONE UNIT TECHNOLOGY HELPED PREVENT SPREAD OF FIRE Morristown Fire crews were able to contain Tuesday’s fire in...

Posted by City of Morristown - Government on Friday, January 5, 2024

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