KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) – A North Knox County woman and her pets are safe after a fire broke out at her home late Saturday morning, prompting a multi-agency response.
The fire was reported around 11:20 a.m. in the 800 block of Whitesburg Road. According to Rural Metro Fire officials, initial reports indicate the blaze may have started in the home’s garage before spreading.
Homeowner Rebecca Zucker-Johnson said she had just arrived home from a trip to CVS when a delivery driver alerted her to the danger, flagging her down as flames began to erupt.
Zucker-Johnson said neighbors quickly stepped in to help as the situation worsened. She recalled the urgency of rescuing her pets before leaving the home.
“My neighbor’s father came to get me out,” she said. “I was still in the bathroom stuffing the cat into the carrier. I wasn’t going to leave without them.”
Fire crews from multiple agencies responded to the scene, where the fire spread beyond the initial structure and threatened a nearby home. Responders worked simultaneously to contain the original fire and protect the adjacent property.
Zucker-Johnson confirmed that while she lost all of her clothing in the fire, many irreplaceable items—including family photos, jewelry, and personal documents—were not destroyed.
She said she is especially thankful for the overwhelming support she has received from the community in the aftermath of the fire.
“The neighborhood has been spectacular,” she said. “I have great gratitude for everybody. Some special man made a huge donation to me but didn’t show himself. He gave it to one of the firefighters to give me, so I don’t have anybody to thank. So I’ll just thank everyone.”
No injuries were reported in the incident. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
704 S Chestnut reported roof collapse (KFD)
