Memphis, December 18, 2025
Two firefighters injured in a fire at a vacant school in Midtown Memphis have been released from the hospital. The fire occurred at the former charter school owned by Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. The cause is under investigation, and the church has announced a significant development plan for the area. Community concerns about vacant properties rise as the Memphis Fire Department continues to emphasize safety and prevention measures.
Memphis Firefighters Injured in Vacant School Blaze Released from Hospital
Memphis, Tennessee – Two firefighters who sustained injuries while battling a fire at a vacant school building in Midtown Memphis have been released from the hospital, according to the Memphis Fire Department (MFD). The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025, at approximately 10:13 a.m. in the 1200 block of Poplar Avenue and North Montgomery Street. The building, formerly the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) charter school, has been unoccupied for some time. The MFD confirmed that one firefighter was treated for minor burns to his face, while another was transported to the burn unit at Regional One Medical Center. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The property is owned by Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, which has announced a $310 million development plan for several nearby properties. Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner stated that the building has been used for various educational purposes over the years, including as the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Academy and most recently as MASE, which has since relocated. It is believed that someone seeking shelter may have started the fire to stay warm.
Firefighters’ Condition and Investigation
The two firefighters injured in the blaze have been released from the hospital. The MFD has not disclosed their current conditions. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and authorities are working to determine whether it was accidental or intentional.
Property Ownership and Development Plans
The vacant school building is owned by Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. The church has announced a $310 million development plan for several nearby properties, indicating a significant investment in the Midtown area.
Background on the Building
The building, formerly the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) charter school, has been unoccupied for some time. It has a history of serving various educational purposes, including as the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Academy. The church’s senior pastor mentioned that the building has been used for educational purposes over the years and that MASE has since relocated to a building on Poplar Avenue.
Memphis Fire Department’s Response
The Memphis Fire Department responded promptly to the fire, deploying multiple units to the scene. The department has not released further details about the firefighting operations or the extent of the damage to the building.
Community Impact
The fire has raised concerns among local residents about the safety of vacant properties in the area. The church’s development plans aim to revitalize the Midtown neighborhood, potentially addressing some of these concerns.
Memphis Fire Department’s History
The Memphis Fire Department, established in 1846, provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Memphis. The department operates 58 stations and employs over 1,700 personnel. The Fire Museum of Memphis, located in the historic Fire Engine House No. 1, showcases the department’s history and artifacts.
Recent Fire Incidents in Memphis
Memphis has experienced several significant fire incidents in recent years. In April 2025, the historic Clayborn Temple, a landmark associated with the Civil Rights Movement, was destroyed by fire. In August 2025, a fire at a vacant strip mall caused $195,000 worth of damage, with one firefighter sustaining a non-critical ankle injury. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges related to fire safety and the condition of vacant properties in the city.
Fire Safety Measures
In response to recent fire incidents, the Memphis Fire Department continues to emphasize fire safety education and prevention. The Fire Museum of Memphis offers interactive exhibits and educational programs to raise awareness about fire safety among residents.
Conclusion
The recent fire at the vacant school building in Midtown Memphis serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for vigilance regarding vacant properties. The Memphis Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of the fire, and the community awaits further updates on the incident and the church’s development plans for the area.
What caused the fire at the vacant school building in Midtown Memphis?
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether it was accidental or intentional.
What is the current condition of the firefighters injured in the blaze?
The two firefighters have been released from the hospital. The Memphis Fire Department has not disclosed their current conditions.
Who owns the building where the fire occurred?
The building is owned by Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.
What are the church’s plans for the property?
The church has announced a $310 million development plan for several nearby properties, indicating a significant investment in the Midtown area.
What is the history of the building?
The building, formerly the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) charter school, has been unoccupied for some time. It has served various educational purposes, including as the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Academy.
What is the Memphis Fire Department’s history?
The Memphis Fire Department, established in 1846, provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Memphis. The department operates 58 stations and employs over 1,700 personnel.
What other significant fire incidents have occurred in Memphis recently?
In April 2025, the historic Clayborn Temple was destroyed by fire. In August 2025, a fire at a vacant strip mall caused $195,000 worth of damage, with one firefighter sustaining a non-critical ankle injury.
What fire safety measures are in place in Memphis?
The Memphis Fire Department emphasizes fire safety education and prevention. The Fire Museum of Memphis offers interactive exhibits and educational programs to raise awareness about fire safety among residents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1200 block of Poplar Avenue and North Montgomery Street, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Building | Former Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) charter school, currently vacant |
| Injuries | Two firefighters sustained injuries; one treated for minor facial burns, another transported to burn unit |
| Cause | Under investigation; authorities exploring accidental or intentional causes |
| Property Owner | Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church |
| Development Plans | Church announced a $310 million development plan for several nearby properties |
| Fire Department Response | Multiple units responded promptly; further details on firefighting operations and building damage not released |
| Community Impact | Raised concerns about safety of vacant properties; church’s development plans aim to revitalize Midtown neighborhood |
| Fire Department History | Established in 1846; operates 58 stations; over 1,700 personnel; Fire Museum of Memphis showcases department’s history |
| Recent Fire Incidents | April 2025: Historic Clayborn Temple destroyed by fire; August 2025: Fire at vacant strip mall caused $195,000 damage, one firefighter injured |
| Fire Safety Measures | Emphasis on fire safety education and prevention; Fire Museum of Memphis offers interactive exhibits and educational programs |
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