Fire Destroys Buildings at Virginia Intermont College

A massive fire engulfed the former Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, early Friday morning, prompting responses from over a dozen fire departments. The fire, described as a 'full inferno,' resulted in the collapse of the main building and raised concerns regarding the neglected state of the campus, which has experienced multiple fires in recent years. City Councilman Neal Osborne criticized the current owners, U.S. Magis International, for their poor caretaking of the property and stated that previous city efforts to encourage maintenance had been ignored. The campus, which closed in 2014, has been left in disrepair, leading to calls for accountability from the owners. Firefighters remain cautious, as the structures are deemed unsafe for entry due to deteriorating conditions. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.