Fire that destroyed Masonic lodge in Claiborne County under investigation

SPEEDWELL, Tenn. (WATE) — Arson investigators with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have been called to assist investigators into a fire that destroyed a Masonic lodge in Claiborne County over the weekend.

The TBI said Tuesday they were assisting with the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office investigation into an Oct. 30 fire at the Powell Valley Masonic Lodge in Speedwell.

The fire broke out around 3 a.m. according to the New Tazewell Fire Department. The department shared that multiple calls to the 911 center reported fire coming from the roof of the building. Around 3:20 a.m., Speedwell Fire Department requested New Tazewell’s help in extinguishing the fire.

New Tazewell added that one firefighter was taken to the hospital with chest pains. They were later released Sunday morning. In addition, one of New Tazewell’s apparatus suffered some heat damage but it is still usable.

The building was deemed a total loss.

Claiborne County Sheriff Bobby Brooks also said that two TBI arson investigators were assisting their investigation.

According to freemason.com, a Masonic lodge is a local organization of the Masonic fraternity, also known as Freemasonry.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with additional information.