An early morning fire today caused extensive damage to a commercial property on the iconic Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, resulting in nearly half a million dollars in losses. The Memphis Fire Department responded to the fire around 2:24 a.m., according to Action News 5. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames and thick smoke coming from the building. Estimated damage is reported at $410,000 for the property and an additional $75,000 for its contents.
Citing the source of the blaze, the incident was due to an electrical malfunction in the building's electric meter box. After storaging fireworks in the property, the owner’s decision, unfortunately, came during the time of the fire, but Local Memphis reports note that the fireworks were not a factor in the ignition of the fire. Thankfully, neither civilians nor firefighters were injured in the incident.
As the flames raged, a video sent by a viewer to FOX13 captured the chaotic scene, showing fireworks adding to the night sky's illumination as smoke and fire dominated the ground.
Furthering the narrative on damages, both the Memphis Fire Department and local news outlets agree on the assessment that places the loss at substantial amounts. The contents of the building were lost, valued at $75,000, wrapped up in the greater tragedy of the $410,000 property loss. Fortunately, no "other structures in the area were affected by the fire," stated the Memphis Fire Department, FOX13 reported.
