NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Early Tuesday morning, a fire ignited in the parking garage of Nashville’s main public library, casting a vast plume of smoke across the downtown skyline and prompting evacuations from a nearby hotel. Although explosions were audible from the structure, fire authorities reported no injuries.
Nashville District Fire Chief Martin Hampton informed WKRN-TV that “the fire spread across the entire fourth floor” of the garage. Among the vehicles engulfed in flames were those employed by the city for cleaning and maintenance purposes. The Renaissance Hotel, linked to the garage via a skybridge, evacuated its guests to ensure their safety.
Upon arrival, firefighters noticed that a ramp between the fourth and fifth floors had given way, and several support beams and columns exhibited “considerable structural compromise” due to spalling damage, which involves sections of concrete breaking off. This was confirmed by Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney.
To manage the situation, fire department investigators and the city’s Department of Transportation structural engineering team have taken over the scene. The library is expected to remain closed until Sunday as officials evaluate the extent of the fire’s impact on its interior, according to Nashville Public Library spokesperson Joan Brasher.
Nashville musician Eli Gilmore, residing in the adjacent apartment building, recounted hearing loud explosions around 1:15 a.m. Nashville fire officials received their dispatch call approximately at 1:22 a.m.
Gilmore described, “We were sitting around, and I glanced over to see black smoke pouring out of the garage, followed by the sound of cars exploding, one after another. We witnessed a section crack and crash down. Sparks were flying across the street.”
Located just a few blocks from Broadway’s vibrant bar and music scene, the library and its parking facility are familiar sights. The garage is routinely used by night revelers heading to downtown bars and daytime commuting employees, offering convenient access to the federal courthouse situated across the street. Managed by the Nashville Downtown Partnership, the property is owned by the metropolitan Nashville government.
During a FaceTime exchange, Gilmore transmitted videos of smoke billowing from the site, alongside numerous emergency vehicles. He estimated that at least 50 firefighters were present at the scene.