KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Fire Department said a fire at a North Knoxville bank Friday afternoon was intentionally set. They also said a man was detained when investigators arrived on the scene.
They said they received calls about the fire at around 1:37 p.m. They also said dispatchers received reports of a man inside the building setting fires, and when crews arrived they saw smoke coming from the Regions Bank at 707 North Broadway.
Officials said the first engine company that arrived was able to quickly enter the bank and extinguish the flames. They said there was extensive damage to the inside of the building, but no injuries were reported.
They said three engine companies responded in total, along with two ladder companies, two battalion chiefs, a rescue company, and 19 total members.
The man, identified as Kimawi S. Funches, has been charged with aggravated arson according to officials. KPD said Funches walked into the bank and used some type of accelerant to set small fires in the bank lobby and offices.
According to KPD, witnesses saw Funches take an aerosol can of air freshener from one of the bank's shelves and used a lighter to set small fires in the lobby. Witnesses say Funches set fire to a coat, chair, purse, and a desk. At the time, there were six people inside the bank.
Funches's bond has been set at $50,000. He is set to appear in court on Monday, February 7th.
A spokesperson from Regions Bank released a statement thanking KFD and the Knoxville Police Department and saying that customers' safety deposit boxes were safe. He also said the bank would be temporarily closed.
It can be read in full below:
Regions Bank would like to thank the Knoxville Fire Department and Knoxville Police Department for responding quickly to today’s incident. No one inside the branch was harmed, and for that, we are extremely grateful. Customers can rest assured their accounts are safe and secure. Also, Regions’ safe deposit boxes are fire-resistant, and a preliminary review of the branch property shows the safe deposit box area was not damaged by fire. The branch will be temporarily closed while assessments begin; however, Regions personnel throughout our other Knoxville and East Tennessee locations remain available to our customers, as always, to help meet their financial needs.
Photos: Fire damages N. Broadway Regions Bank (2/4/2021)
