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An early Tuesday fire reminiscent of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 on Decherd’s Main Street destroyed two early 1900s buildings and caused major damage to two others, prompting questions about safety from fires extending to adjacent buildings.

No one was injured, according to Decherd Fire Chief Chuck Williams.

The fire at East Main and South Second streets destroyed a building owned by Jackie Garner and the adjacent former Collins Grocery Store. However, firefighters were able to contain it from spreading into the Gamble Complex which sustained heavy smoke and water damage.

Williams said the fire is one of the biggest he’s seen in Decherd in the past 24 years.

He said his department got a response call at 1:28 a.m. and was on the scene within minutes. He said that when personnel arrived, flames were extending through the roof area at the back of the Garner building.

Firefighting units from Winchester, Arnold Center, Alto and Cowan were called to assist Decherd, he said, extending his thanks for their service.

Williams said the fire’s cause has not been determined, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to probe the scene.

“It’s hard to say what started it, but the TBI investigation will determine that,” he said.

Decherd Mayor Mary Nell Hess said Decherd’s historic buildings are close to each other which creates concern about how other similar buildings could easily go up in flames.

She said the Board of Mayor and Aldermen will be reviewing facts relevant to the case at its 7 p.m. Tuesday meeting to determine what measures can be taken to reduce the risk of fires spreading.