UPDATE: (WOKI / Rural Metro) – KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A fire caused significant damage to a two-story building at Choto Marina early Wednesday morning, according to Rural Metro Fire.
Crews were dispatched around 6:52 a.m. to the 2600 block of Whitten Lane, where they found the structure — identified as Willy’s Bar & Grill — nearly fully engulfed in flames.
Due to the intensity of the fire and structural collapse, firefighters were initially forced to battle the blaze from outside. Once conditions improved, crews were able to move inside to extinguish remaining hot spots within the debris.
Despite their efforts, the building suffered extensive damage.
Fire crews worked to protect nearby fuel pumps and boats at the marina and were successful in preventing the flames from spreading beyond the structure.
Officials said the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
A total of six fire engines, along with several support vehicles and an ambulance, responded to the scene.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Fire crews were called to a fire at Cheers at the Choto Marina early Tuesday morning, according to Rural Metro.
Officials said the call came in around 7 a.m., prompting a quick response to the popular waterfront location.
While the building sustained damage in the fire, crews were able to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby gas pumps and boat slips — a key concern at the marina.
No injuries were reported.
Fire officials have not yet released information on what may have caused the fire. The extent of the damage remains under investigation.
