Two Fires Challenge Area Fire Departments Saturday Evening

Two separate fires Saturday evening stretched fire protection resources across the area, as multiple departments responded to a blaze at the historic Tollette Town Hall and a grass fire in Nashville.

The first fire was reported around 5 p.m. Saturday at the historic Tollette Town Hall. Fire departments from Nashville, Mineral Springs, County Line, Yancy and Saratoga responded to the scene.

Mineral Springs Fire Chief Chris Hostetler reported that Mineral Springs sent three fire trucks, while Nashville dispatched two trucks, including its ladder truck. Yancy also sent two trucks, with additional assistance from County Line and Saratoga.

Hostetler said the fire heavily damaged the building’s gymnasium and auditorium, while the Tollette Library and city offices sustained significant smoke damage.

One of the biggest challenges for firefighters was the building’s roof. According to Hostetler, a metal roof had been installed over the original roof, allowing the fire to spread between the two layers. The concealed fire made it difficult for crews to access and extinguish the flames.

Later Saturday evening, while firefighters continued battling the blaze in Tollette, a second fire broke out near South Fourth Street in Nashville, behind the Nashville city shop.

With Nashville firefighters and equipment already committed to the Tollette fire, the department had fewer resources available to respond to the brush fire. Fire departments from the surrounding area provided additional assistance to help bring the second fire under control.