A fire that heavily damaged a well-known structure in Sparta has left one family without any personal belongings and has caused a longtime business to temporarily relocate.
Sparta Flowers and Gifts, at 141 E. Bockman Way, in Sparta, was the scene for the fire call that was dispatched at 1:11 a.m., July 24, 2023. However, an apartment that is contained inside the structure on an upper level, was the location of the blaze.
According to Sparta Fire Chief Kirk Young, firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire that involved a residence and a business. The residence’s address is 120 Gaines Street, while the business address was 141 Bockman Way.
White County E-911 advised that heavy smoke and flames were visible. Young said Capt. Jessie Buttrum, of Sparta Fire Department, was the first firefighter to arrive on the scene. Sparta Fire Department deployed Engine 13, Engine 8, and the ladder truck.
According to Young, Lt. Kevin Jolly, firefighter Dylan Copeland, and Capt. Derek Wilson attacked the fire from the apartment side, on Gaines Street.
There was major damage to the apartment and smoke and water damage at Sparta Flowers and Gifts.
Young said firefighters used the thermal camera after the blaze was extinguished to determine if there were any “hot spots.” None were found.
Young said, “I want to thank all the county volunteer firefighters who assisted Sparta Fire Department at the scene. Your help and assistance are appreciated.”
According to Young, the cause of the fire is pending upon completion of the investigation.
Rachel Stewart Billingsley, owner of Sparta Flowers and Gifts, posted the following statement on her Facebook page.
“I just can’t thank you all enough for the overwhelming amount of love you have shown us!” Stewart said. “The calls, the showing up, the volunteering to help when we start sorting. We are so blessed to be loved on by all of you! I am forever grateful for all the love and prayers and kindness shown today! I love this little town so much and all the support you all have given!
“I am coming to you to humbly to ask for help There was a family that lives upstairs, and they have lost everything, and they have an 8- month-old baby.”
Donations for the family may be dropped off at White County Public Library, 11 N. Church St.
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