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February 26, 2008


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NEWS

Champion Homes Fire Was Accidental, Says Fire Marshal

HENRY –- An early morning fire that completely destroyed Champion Homes manufacturing plant on February 8 in Henry Tennessee has been ruled accidental, not criminal.

According to a press release by the Henry County Sheriff’s Department, members of the Tennessee State Bomb and Arson Department have concluded the investigation.

After several days of intensive investigations, Tennessee State Bomb and Arson Agent Steve McClure has made the following release. “Based on available evidence, interviews, and crime scene work, this fire is consistent with an accidental fire. It does not appear to be a criminal act.”

McClure further stated, “The area was examined and it has been concluded that the origin of the fire occurred in or around the tool crib area on the south portion of the building.”

Champion employed approximately 230 persons, mostly from Henry, Carroll and Weakley counties. Employees are currently receiving their regular pay and benefits. Champion officials from the home office in Michigan have surveyed existing buildings throughout the area in hopes of re-employing the workforce. The search for existing buildings has taken officials to area communities including Paris, McKenzie, Bruceton, Dresden, Huntingdon and Milan, according to one source.

Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew said, “It was an unfortunate loss to Henry County, the town of Henry and the workers of Atlantic Homes. If there is a good side to this, it would be that the fire does not appear to have been set.”

Belew said he hopes the manufacturing company can rebuild in Henry County.

The sheriff thanked the State Bomb and Arson Department for assisting in the investigation. He said it is “good to be able to work with all agencies, whether it is local, state, or federal in achieving the same goal.”

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February 26, 2008