Knoxville Man Arrested for Arson Following Truck Fire

Firefighters battling a box truck fire near retail store

News Summary

On February 13, 2025, a box truck fire near Sam’s Club West in Knoxville led to the arrest of Leif Jackson, accused of intentionally setting the fire. Firefighters promptly extinguished the flames, preventing further damage, while investigations revealed Jackson’s involvement in a previous fire incident at Home Depot. He now faces serious arson charges. The community is urged to report suspicious activities to help combat arson in the area.

Knoxville Man Arrested for Arson Following Box Truck Fire Near Sam’s Club

On a rather eventful morning on February 13, 2025, the Knoxville Fire Department found themselves battling a fiery scene at Sam’s Club West, located at 8435 Walbrook Drive. Flames and billowing smoke erupted from a box truck parked near the entrance, catching the attention of many shoppers and onlookers. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, working diligently to extinguish the blaze, much to the relief of those nearby.

Firefighters in Action

Arriving promptly, firefighters tackled the flames that had taken hold in the front area of the box truck. Their quick response proved crucial in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles or structures. Once the smoke cleared, investigators began to piece together just what happened.

Turning the Spotlight on Leif Jackson

As they sifted through the aftermath, attention quickly turned to Leif Jackson, a 47-year-old man who was present at the scene when firefighters arrived. It didn’t take long for officials to determine that Jackson was the alleged culprit, as evidence pointed to the fire being intentionally set.

This incident isn’t the first time Jackson has found himself in the spotlight for fire-related issues. In fact, he is said to be a prime suspect in an earlier fire that occurred at a Home Depot on November 29, 2024. That blaze involved building materials and resulted in only minor damage, but the connection to Jackson has raised many eyebrows in the community.

Charges Filed

Jackson now faces serious charges, including arson for both the recent box truck fire and the previous incident at Home Depot. The implications of such actions are significant, and the judicial process will take its course as Jackson awaits further proceedings.

Help Fight Arson

The Knoxville Fire Department urges the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity linked to arson. They have provided a hotline number for anyone with information to call: 1-800-762-3017. The more eyes on the street, the better equipped the city will be to tackle and prevent such dangerous acts.

A Developing Story

This story is unfolding, and updates will continue to emerge as the investigation progresses. The Knoxville community is left to ponder how one man’s alleged actions could lead to such chaos. We advise residents to stay tuned for more developments and to ensure the safety of their neighborhoods.

As this incident highlights the importance of safety and awareness, it also showcases the unyielding commitment of local firefighters to protect the community. They have once again proven they are ready to respond to emergencies, dealing with unpredictable circumstances on the job.

Residents are encouraged to engage in discussions about fire safety and prevention measures, as protecting one another is a collective effort. In the face of troubling events like these, the community’s resilience becomes even more vital.