Michigan Man Charged With Arson In Morristown Fire

The Morristown Police Department has arrested a Michigan man in connection with the fire at the Parks-Belk building in downtown Morristown. That fire broke out around 9pm on Tuesday night and firefighters with Morristown and Jefferson City fire departments battled that blaze for well over 12 hours. Billy Hale, the Hamblen County Fire Marshal, said at the height of the fire, crews were putting 3,000 – 4,000 gallons of water a minute on that fire. That went on for several hours. The building, which was being renovated by the city of Morristown, was a total loss. One firefighter was injured with a separated shoulder while battling the fire.
Wednesday afternoon, the Morristown Police Department announced they had arrested 33 year old Jeffery Scott Cicirelli of Livonia, Michigan for causing that fire. Investigators determined that Cicirelli has been staying at a motel on the west end of Morristown for the past several days after his vehicle broke down while he was traveling through the area. At this time, investigators do not think he has any connection to the Morristown area.
According to a release from the Morristown Police Department, Cicirelli came to the attention of police after patrol officers helping to secure the fire scene noticed him in the area asking questions to first responders. Cicirelli was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon. He is being charged with Arson, Reckless Endangerment, Burglary and Vandalism. He is being held in the Hamblen County Jail.