KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The Knoxville Fire Department confirmed Monday that a fire at a Knoxville thrift store was the result of arson.
The fire broke out on Sunday around 4:00 p.m. at This and That, a secondhand store on Middlebrook Pike near the intersection of Liberty Street.
A good Samaritan saw smoke coming from the building and called 9-1-1.
Firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames inside, but the owners said the damage was extensive and some high-priced items went missing.
Arson investigators later concluded that the fire was set intentionally, but did not have any suspects in the case.
"I'm about ready to cry. I kept this place nice, neat, spotless," said co-owner Linda Norton. "We spent a lot of money in here, a lot of money."
Building owner Charles Taylor said Norton recently retired and was planning to spend her retirement maintaining the shop.
The building was built in the 1940s and had been used as a grocery store and TV repair shop as well as a thrift store.
The store received extensive damage in the fire.
