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Nashville Fire Investigations Surge 19% Amid Growth
9 Jan
Summary
- Fire investigation calls rose 19% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
- A joint investigation led to a federal conviction for robbery and arson.
- New drone technology and training enhance Nashville fire investigations.
The Nashville Fire Department's investigations division reported a substantial 19% rise in calls for origin and cause investigations during the fourth quarter of 2025, a trend attributed to the city's ongoing expansion and increasingly complex cases.
This surge in workload highlighted the division's commitment to enhancing its capabilities. A prime example of their effectiveness was a collaborative effort with the Metro Nashville Police Department and the ATF, which culminated in the federal conviction of Pardrae Gooch. Gooch was found guilty in connection with a violent robbery and arson at a South Nashville clothing store on May 29, 2024.
In response to growing demands, the division has integrated new technologies, such as drone capabilities for improved scene documentation and analysis, and invested in over 1,000 hours of specialized investigator training in 2025. Furthermore, two new fire investigator positions were approved in the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget to address the continued increase in investigative service needs.
