Flammable Gas Containers Found in Garage Fire Storage Room

Several tanks typically used to hold flammable gas were found in the aftermath of the June 10 fire in the Nashville Public Library's downtown garage. All were in or around the fourth-floor storage room, the same location where Nashville Fire Department investigators believe the fire originated.

Nashville Downtown Partnership Points to Subcontractor for Library Fire

NDP says cleaning company Block by Block stored unknown materials at origination point identified by investigation

The Nashville Downtown Partnership previously told the Scene that the staff of urban beautification contractor Block by Block uses the room to store unspecified “equipment and supplies.” Fire department investigators released a preliminary report identifying the room as the fire’s origin but did not name a definite cause. The department said final reports on the fire would come after further damage assessments. Smoke scarring is still visible outside the parking structure. The fire, which ignited just after 1 a.m. on June 10, destroyed at least two floors of parking and burned through several empty vehicles parked at the site. The library will remain closed through July 28.

The fourth-floor storage room held at least 12 containers of varying sizes typically used to store flammable fuel and gas, as well as maintenance equipment like trailers and lawnmowers, according to photos and video obtained by the Scene taken before any substantial cleanup effort had taken place. Metro leases the garage to influential booster group the Nashville Downtown Partnership, which in turn works with Block by Block.

Library Fire Started in Fourth Floor Storage Area

City and Nashville Downtown Partnership head toward an insurance nightmare

Metro attorneys approved fire and general liability insurance policies as part of its lease with the NDP, which has been operating the garage for decades. The NDP does not have additional insurance policies on file for Block by Block. One source tells the Scene damage and cleanup costs could reach tens of millions of dollars, potentially accompanied by protracted insurance and legal disputes between the various parties involved.

The Nashville Downtown Partnership has an annual budget just shy of $20 million and a large board of directors that includes influential attorney Charles Robert Bone, developer Tony Giarratana, Nashville Predators CEO Sean Henry, Jamari Brown of the mayor's office and Scene owner Bob Freeman. 

A spokesperson for the Nashville Downtown Partnership directed the Scene to a previous statement published on July 3. Block by Block declined to comment.