Fire Cause Under Investigation At Aretha Frankensteins

  • Monday, April 3, 2006

The early morning fire on Sunday that destroyed a popular coffee shop in North Chattanooga remains under investigation.

Authorities said Monday morning they still do not know the cause of the fire that heavily damaged Aretha Frankensteins at 518 Tremont St.

The owner, Jeff Brakebill, said he plans to quickly rebuild.

The Chattanooga Fire Department responded with several fire companies shortly after 5 a.m.

Battalion Chief Mack Moore said a good portion of the business was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on the scene. The damage was extensive, but no one was believed to be in the building at the time and no injuries were reported.

Chief Moore said the flames were beginning to threaten an adjacent business, but the firefighters were able to stop their progress and eventually get the fire out.

Senior Firefighter Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation. Fire Investigator Captain Lesley Cole is assisting with the investigation.

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