Crematory Destroyed By Fire

[matcom]

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The crematory operated by Lane Funeral Home in Rossville was destroyed by fire late Friday night.

The fire started between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. in a building separated by the funeral home's entrance driveway, official said.

Visitation had ended and only a cleaning crew was present at the adjacent funeral home when a neighbor saw flames and called police, according to staff at the funeral home.

Firefighters from the Rossville Fire Department and Walker County State Prison Station 9 extinguished the blaze but the crematory and garage were heavily damaged.

"We believe it was an accident and are pretty sure it started in the crematory area," Rossville Fire Department Sgt. Jerry Brooks said.

Ed Williamson, managing funeral home director, expressed thanks for the efficient action by emergency personnel. He said three Saturday funeral services went ahead as scheduled.

Demolition crews on Saturday afternoon were preparing the site for rebuilding the facility, funeral staff member Bill Hartman said.

Lane Funeral Home also has an Ashland Terrace Chapel in Chattanooga.

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