CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — An iconic tree house in Crossville burned to the ground overnight.
The famous Crossville Minister's Treehouse was destroyed when fire broke out around 10:30 p.m. CST. Crews told CBS News affiliate WVLT that the entire building was gone in just 15 minutes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The 97-foot tall, 10-story tree house was built by Horace Burgess, an architect-turned-minister. He said that God commanded him to build the sprawling tree house as a means of ministry. It took him about 19 years to build it with salvaged woods scraps and recycled metal. The structure spanned across several trees and was a tourist destination until the fire marshal deemed it a public safety hazard.
The tree house has been vacant since 2012 and was frequented by vandals.
Cumberland County Fire/Rescue officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation.
