RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN — Rutherford County Fire and Rescue crews responded to an outbuilding fire in the 7000 block of Ridley Earp Road at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8.

Firefighters faced significant challenges accessing the property due to difficult terrain and limited entry points. Once crews reached the structure, suppression efforts began immediately, and the fire was brought under control.

During the firefighting operation, one deceased individual was discovered inside the outbuilding. The identity of the victim is pending and will not be released until the medical examiner’s autopsy is complete and next of kin have been notified.

The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office, in coordination with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, is actively investigating the cause of the fire.

Additional agencies responding to the scene included Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, Rutherford County Emergency Management Agency, and Rutherford County PAWS, which assisted with the care of several dogs located on the property.

Officials say no further information will be released at this time.

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.