After a massive home in Ashland City burned to the ground, and the long-time owner has offered a reward in an effort to find the person responsible for starting the fire.
H.T. Beckham, who built the house, has offered a $2500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person who started the fire. In addition, the Ashland City Fire Department has offered a $1500 reward.
“I would like to see justice done,” said Beckham. “I think if someone burns somebody’s house like that, they ought to spend some time in jail.”
The three story, 17,000 square foot home on Sandy Run Road in Ashland City burned to the ground on Feb. 26. Beckham said the fire was suspicious because no one was living in the house, and there was no electricity or gas turned on. He said the home was still completely furnished.
“It’s just all gone,” said Beckham. “I will have to start back from scratch.”
Beckham said he built the home over the course of 14 years and it includes 13 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and an indoor swimming pool. He estimated he invested $800,000 in the project. He did not have insurance.
Officials with the Ashland City Fire Department said the fire broke out at around 2 p.m. Friday. The house burned for several hours.
“When we arrived on scene we found the structure about two-thirds involved,” recalled Brian Biggs, Deputy Chief of the Ashland City Fire Department.
Beckham said losing everything was heartbreaking. The only part of the house still standing is the chimney with Beckham’s initials marked on it.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is assisting the Ashland City Fire Department with the fire investigation. If you have any information on what happened, you can also call the Arson Hot Line at 1-800-762-3017.
