Small Fire At National Cemetery Under Investigation

Chattanooga police were the first to be called this morning after a groundskeeper discovered the charred remains of some flowers and small flags at the columbarium wall where cremated remains are interred. When police officers realized the vandalism primarily involved fire, they called for a fire investigator.

Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the fire occurred sometime between last Friday night and this morning. He said the fire caused minimal damage, but desecration of a grave is a serious offense. If the perpetrator, or perpetrators, are caught, they could face local and federal charges. The investigation will continue.