RHEA AND ROANE COUNTY CREWS RUSH TO ASSIST WITH HISTORIC PEAKLAND SCHOOL FIRE; BUILDING DEEMED TOTAL LOSS
A fierce fire completely destroyed the historic old Peakland School in Meigs County on Monday morning, leaving the building a total loss after it had been converted into apartment units.
First responders arrived at the scene in the 200 block of Peakland Drive following a 911 call reporting heavy smoke at 10:37 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026. With Meigs County Fire and Athens Fire initially on the scene confronting a massive structure fire, local authorities quickly requested mutual aid from across the region for additional engines, ladder trucks, tankers, and manpower.
Crucial support came from neighboring Rhea County Fire and South Roane County Fire, who joined a large coalition of Tri-State Mutual Aid Association (TSMA) agencies to battle the blaze. Crews from Athens Rural, Bradley County, Clearwater, Dayton, Decatur, Englewood, and Highway 58 VFD also responded, alongside the McMinn County Hazmat Air Trailer, while Cleveland Fire stood by in Decatur.
Key Details at a Glance:
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Location: 200 block of Peakland Drive, Meigs County
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Building Status: The former school, recently converted into apartments, suffered total destruction. Fortunately, no one was living in the units at the time.
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Casualties: No injuries were reported, with Meigs County EMS standing by on the scene as a precaution.
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Investigation: The cause of the fire and the total extent of the damages remain unknown at this time.
(Photo by Bradley County Fire Department.)
