At approximately 5:15 PM, the Knox County Emergency Communications District received a 911 call reporting an apartment on fire on the second floor of building 900 in the Spring Meadow Apartment Complex. The caller advised that he could see flames at a window and that they were evacuating. As this caller was speaking with Knox County 911, several other callers dialed 911 to report that the building was on fire. The alarm system was activated by a pull station.
On the arrival of the first Knoxville Fire Department Engine, Heavy fire was reported coming from the roof at the rear of the building. KFD crews immediately began firefight efforts. However, crews were pushed back by heavy fire. The incident commander ordered a ladder truck into operation, and KFD gained control of the fire within 40 minutes of the alarm time. The Incident Commander specially called a second ladder for support.
KFD secured an additional water supply across Washington Pike, which required the road to be closed for a brief period.
There were no injuries reported. One KFD firefighter was treated and released on the scene due to a minor medical issue.
Three cats and 2 dogs escaped the fire unharmed.
Twenty-two occupants were affected by the fire and are being assisted by Apartment Management and the American Red Cross.
The building had eight units; four of which suffered heavy fire, water, and smoke damage. 4 other units have suffered smoke damage.
Knoxville Fire Department Investigators are on the scene working to determine the cause of the fire.
