The businesses were unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported.
The fire began around 9 p.m. after lightning reportedly struck one of the businesses in the lot, quickly spreading through the complex’s roof. Businesses affected include the McNairy County Carl Perkins Child Abuse Prevention Center, Norton Law, Bodiford-White Insurance and Richard Renovations LLC.
According to an official statement released by the Selmer Fire Department, “all units of the Selmer Fire Department responded to the fire, as did many units from the surrounding towns and county fire departments.”
Selmer Fire Chief Anthony Carr confirmed that 56 fire and law enforcement personnel representing twelve agencies responded to the scene.