Nashville, TN Fairgrounds Swept By Fire, Sep 1965

TENNESSEE FAIRGROUNDS FIRE INJURES AT LEAST 18.

Nashville, Tenn. (AP) -- Wind-fed flames swept through the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Monday night destroying three main exhibit-filled buildings and sending thousands of opening night spectators fleeing in fright.
An early morning count showed 18 persons received hospital treatment, 10 of them firemen who suffered smoke inhalation. None were believed critically injured or burned.
A preliminary probe of ruins revealed no bodies. Mayor BEVERLY BRILEY said there were no known missing persons.
BRILEY, who was visiting the area of the women's building where the fire broke out, gave a preliminary damage estimate of $8-10 million then early today raised it to $10-$12 million.
Destroyed with the women's building were the adjacent merchant's building and administration building. All were three-story barn-like wooden structures about 50 years old.
The women's and merchants buildings were filled with art, antiques, handicrafts, photography and merchandise exhibits.
Also destroyed was the grandstand alongside the three buildings. It was emptied when the evening show ended shortly before the fire broke out.
BRILEY immediately closed the fair which was beginning a one-week stand.
Electrical wiring was believed the cause of the blaze.

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern Wisconsin 1965-09-21
__________________

Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!