SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Authorities are investigating a deadly house fire that claimed one life early Wednesday morning in Sevier County.
According to Sevier County Fire & Rescue, emergency crews were dispatched to a home in the 2400 block of Pittman Center Road at approximately 3 a.m. after reports of a residential structure fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found the house fully engulfed in flames. Officials said one person was believed to be inside and unaccounted for.
Crews immediately began fire suppression efforts and attempted to search the home. However, fire officials said dangerous conditions prevented firefighters from gaining immediate access to the structure.
Once conditions improved, firefighters were able to enter and conduct a search of the residence. One individual was located and later confirmed dead.
“The deceased individual was transported by the Sevier County Medical Examiner’s Office to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for identification,” Sevier County Fire & Rescue said in a statement.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office and the Sevier County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Catons Chapel Richardson Cove Volunteer Fire Department, English Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department, Sevier County Ambulance Service, Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Sevier County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Sevier County Electric System.
Officials have not released the victim’s identity, and no additional information was immediately available.
