KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WOKI / WVLT) — A Knox County home sustained significant smoke damage following a residential fire Sunday evening, though all occupants escaped safely.
According to Rural Metro Fire spokesperson Jeff Bagwell, firefighters were dispatched to a home on Joe Hinton Road shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday after reports of a structure fire.
When crews arrived, they encountered heavy flames coming from the home’s front windows. Firefighters quickly began suppression efforts while confirming that all residents had safely evacuated the structure before emergency personnel arrived.
Officials said the fire was brought under control quickly, helping prevent more extensive damage to the residence.
While the flames were contained, the home suffered heavy smoke damage throughout the structure. Preliminary findings indicate the fire likely originated in the kitchen, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
No injuries were reported among residents or emergency responders.
Following the fire, the American Red Cross stepped in to provide assistance to those affected by the incident. The organization routinely helps families displaced by residential fires by providing temporary housing, financial assistance and other emergency services.
Fire officials are reminding residents to practice kitchen safety and ensure smoke alarms are functioning properly, as cooking-related fires remain one of the leading causes of residential fire emergencies.
The extent of the property’s financial damage has not been released.
