House fire that killed Memphis firefighter believed to be arson

Brooke Muckerman, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Updated ·1 min read
Danya Sims, a utility worker with Memphis Light, Gas and Water looks at the home at 2047 Rile St. that burned down just after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday evening in South Memphis, as MLGW works to shut off the gas to the home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Four firefighters were injured in the fire with one, Lieutenant Jeffrey Norman, later dying from his injuries.

A South Memphis house fire that killed a firefighter has been ruled an arson, according to a tweet from Memphis Fire Department. Late Tuesday night, MFD responded to 2047 Rile Street for a reported house fire.

Lt. Jeffrey Norman was killed in the South Memphis fire. Three other firefighters have been hospitalized, but have not been identified by MFD.

The origin of the fire is believed to be from an exterior dumpster in front of the house's carport, according to MFD. Fire then spread "upwards and outwards" to the carport and second floor addition on the carport, the tweet said.

Norman served with the department for just under 21 years, signing on in September 2002.

MFD is asking that anyone with information regarding the incident call Crime Stoppers 528-2274 or the State Arson Hotline 1 (800) 762-3017.

Brooke Muckerman covers county government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Brooke.Muckerman@CommercialAppeal.com and followed on Twitter @BrookeMuckerman.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: South Memphis fire that killed firefighter believed to be arson