Chattanooga fire investigators arrested a 10-year-old male today in connection with Wednesday’s fire at the YMCA at 7430 Shallowford Road.
Shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, the entire building was evacuated when a fire was reported in a men’s restroom, according to Bruce Garner, Chattanooga Fire Department spokesman.
“YMCA staff responded quickly and put the fire out with a portable fire extinguisher. No one was injured and the fire damage was minimal,” Mr. Garner said.
Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the boy confessed to setting the fire. He was charged with aggravated arson and reckless endangerment and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center for booking, the lieutenant said.
An eyewitness saw the 10-year-old coming out of the men’s restroom as he went in and noticed that the paper towel dispenser was on fire. No one else was in the restroom at the time, Mr. Garner said.
Continue reading by following these links to related stories:
Chattanooga: Fire guts Hixson Dollar General
Chattanooga: Boy, 9, charged in $1 million arson
Article: Hixson: 9-year-old reportedly tries to start another fire