News Summary
A fire broke out at the former Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, highlighting ongoing concerns about the abandoned property. Firefighters battled the blaze caused by combustibles in the vacant building. The city council has declared the site blighted, increasing taxes to enhance safety measures. Community efforts, including a scholarship campaign by King University, aim to honor the college’s legacy while addressing growing concerns about the derelict site.
Bristol Battling Blight as Fire Breaks Out at Former College
Bristol, Virginia, is back in the headlines, and this time it’s for a concerning situation unfolding at the former Virginia Intermont College. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, fire crews rushed to the scene of a fire that was reported just before 3:30 a.m.. Smoke was pouring from the college’s library, quickly raising alarms as the flames spread through the basement and into the first and second floors.
Upon arriving at the site, firefighters faced a daunting challenge. The college, which has stood vacant for nearly a decade, still contained a significant amount of combustibles, like books, that fueled the flames. It took several hours for the team to control the blaze, which they managed to do primarily in the library area.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in connection with the fire. As the smoke cleared, local authorities began piecing together what may have caused the fire, labeling it as accidental by 9:30 a.m. the same morning.
Steps Towards a Safer Community
In a related move, the Bristol City Council has taken significant action regarding the beleaguered property. In recent meetings, council members voted to declare the former Virginia Intermont property as blighted. This classification comes as part of a broader effort to address the issues surrounding the abandoned campus, which has been closed for approximately ten years.
The council approved an ordinance that will increase the real estate tax rate on the property by 5%. This additional funding is intended to assist in covering the costs associated with increased police patrols and fire department responses to the site. Deeming a property “blighted” usually relates to conditions such as being structurally unsafe, visually unappealing, or abandoned altogether.
Community Concerns and Plans
Councilman Neal Osborne has been particularly vocal about the emotional weight that Virginia Intermont holds for many Bristol residents. The hope is for the property to be repaired and salvaged rather than left to deteriorate further. It’s clear that local leaders and many community members wish to see renewed life breathed back into this historic site.
In Honor of Virginia Intermont’s Legacy
In a heartwarming gesture, King University is stepping in to honor alumni of Virginia Intermont College. They are launching a campaign to sell merchandise featuring the iconic Virginia Intermont logo with the goal of fundraising for a scholarship aimed at students connected to the college. This initiative shows that, even amidst challenges, the legacy of the school is being cherished and remembered.
Additionally, a farewell memorial ceremony for Virginia Intermont is set to take place on the campus of King University, starting May 2. This event will offer an opportunity for those connected to the college to come together and celebrate the rich history of the once-thriving institution.
As Bristol faces these challenges head-on, the community’s spirit remains unbroken, with hopes for a brighter future for the former college and its surrounding area.
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Additional Resources
- WJHL: Bristol VA Council Moves Forward with Deeming Virginia Intermont Property Blighted
- WJHL: Crews Respond to Early Morning Fire at Former Virginia Intermont College
- ABC3340: Fire Engulfs Historic Virginia Intermont College
- Google Search: Virginia Intermont College
- USA Today: Virginia Intermont College Fire
- Wikipedia: Virginia Intermont College
