Chattanooga fire investigators have made an arrest in connection with Thursday morning’s commercial fire at 2801 Rossville Blvd. On Thursday afternoon, Captain Anthony Moore with the Fire Investigation Division charged Garry Mosier, 59, with arson.
Mosier was found by firefighters sitting on the grass behind the building. He was transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS, where he was treated for smoke inhalation.
A short time later, he was transported to the county jail for booking. Captain Moore said Mosier did not own up to starting the fire, but the evidence suggests that he was responsible.
Chattanooga firefighters had responded to the fire shortly before 10 a.m. Thick, black smoke was billowing from the rear of what used to be Willie's Auto Parts. The building has reportedly been vacant for months or even years.
Firefighters with Engine 9 were the first on the scene, and seeing the potential for a much larger fire, Captain Lloyd Jones called for a second alarm response to bring in six additional fire companies.
The firefighters forced their way inside the building and made their way around the back and managed to get the blaze under control in roughly 15 minutes.
An estimate on the dollar loss was not available.