x
Breaking News
More () »

Investigators: Little Nashville Opry fire was arson

WTHR.com is the news leader for Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Get the best news, weather, sports and traffic information from Channel 13.
11208886_BG1

Rich Van Wyk/Eyewitness News

Brown County - Investigators say that the fire that destroyed the Little Nashville Opry concert hall in southern Indiana's Brown County was arson. Fire officials made the announcement Monday morning.

Dozens of federal and local investigators worked for days digging through the debris, examining the electrical system, conducting laboratory tests and interviewing 80 people. They reached one conclusion.

"It was not an accident. It was intentionally set," said Wayne Dixie, special agent in charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Investigators say the fire was set in the stage area of performance hall. They aren't revealing how they suspect the fire was started or whether there are any suspects, insisting additional details would jeopardize the ongoing criminal investigation.

"It is too early to start naming names. It's too early to talk about charges that may be available.
We are looking into all the information available to us," said Jim Oliver, Brown County prosecutor. "So we can hold the criminals accountable who committed this act."

"Intentionally set fires are a serious crime that can put innocent citizens and rescue personnel at great risk," said Jim Greeson, Indiana state fire marshal. "I commend the agencies involved who have worked this case, and urge citizens to report any suspicions or information regarding the Little Nashville Opry Fire so we can hold criminals accountable for their violent and costly actions."

In addition to the physical evidence, there are questionable circumstances. Property taxes had gone unpaid. The building's entertainment permit expired nine months ago and the last fire inspection was 18 months ago.

The building's owner and manager were among those questioned. Investigators insisted that it was too early to name any suspects.

Fire swept through the The Little Nashville Opry September 19th at around 10:00 pm, shortly after the Saturday night performance. Police want to speak with anyone in the area that night who may have seen anything suspicious.

Nashville business owners and residents are uneasy, having lost a major tourist attraction not to an accident, but an arsonist.

"It is scary. It will hurt us. People may not be coming down," said Donna Dick, business owner.

The fire comes just as the autumn tourist season gets underway in Brown County.

"Someone is pretty devious. I hope they catch them. I hope they prosecute them," said Stan Lucas, who owns the nearby Red Bud Inn.

The Visitors Bureau figures the 2,000-seat Opry brought more than 60,000 people a year to town.

Right now investigators do not have any suspects, but they announced a tip line. Anyone with information related to the fire is asked to call (812) 988-6620. All calls are confidential.

Investigators are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire.

The Opry has canceled its upcoming shows, including scheduled November concerts by Loretta Lynn and George Jones.

The small tourist community has a history of arson fires.

In 1996, half a town block burned down. The owner of one of the destroyed businesses was convicted and sent to prison. Three years ago, the Seasons Hotel was set afire, endangering the lives of dozens of guests. That case is still unsolved.

"It makes you wonder what's next," said business owner Sharon Roberson. "Because there are so many other buildings in town [that] could be next."

Before You Leave, Check This Out