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TBI joins probe into fatal McMinn County fire

Area fire departments / Firefighteers are shown at the scene of a fire that claimed two lives on Highway 163 in South McMinn County. The TBI has joined the investigation.
Area fire departments / Firefighteers are shown at the scene of a fire that claimed two lives on Highway 163 in South McMinn County. The TBI has joined the investigation. Area fire departments / Firefighteers are shown at the scene of a fire that claimed two lives on Highway 163 in South McMinn County. The TBI has joined the investigation.

By Ben Benton 2 min read


State arson investigators are probing a fatal fire in McMinn County that claimed the lives of two people on Tuesday.

The fire was reported about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday on State Route 163, also known as Bowater Road, according to Sheriff Joe Guy. The state route runs parallel to the Hiwasse River and links U.S. Highway 11 in Calhoun to U.S. Highway 411 south of Etowah. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has joined the investigation.

(READ MORE: Helicopter burns after crash at McMinn County airport)

“Once the fire was under control, two deceased persons were found in the structure,” Guy said in a text message. “TBI arson investigators are now on scene and will be the lead on the investigation.”