Knoxville, TN – (WOKI) A potentially devastating fire was contained Sunday morning after Knoxville firefighters quickly responded to a structure fire at 211 Harriet Tubman Street.

According to fire officials, a neighbor called 911 at approximately 9:25 a.m. after spotting smoke and flames coming from the building.

The first fire crews arrived within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire conditions on the left side of the structure.

Firefighters immediately launched an interior fire attack in an effort to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading throughout the building.

Despite those efforts, the fire quickly moved vertically through the structure and eventually burned through the roof.

Fire Contained to Cafeteria Area

Fire crews were able to gain control of the blaze and keep it largely confined to the cafeteria section of the building.

Officials said the fire was brought under control and extinguished by approximately 10:30 a.m.

The cafeteria sustained severe fire, smoke and water damage.

The remainder of the building experienced only minor smoke intrusion, described by officials as a light haze.

Quick Response Prevented Greater Loss

Fire officials said the size of the building presented the risk of a much larger and more destructive fire.

“This fire was in a big building and had the potential to become a very large and damaging fire,” officials said.

They credited the rapid response and aggressive firefighting efforts with saving a significant portion of the property.

No Injuries Reported

No injuries were reported among building occupants, nearby residents or firefighters.

Emergency crews remained on scene following the fire to ensure all hot spots were extinguished and the structure was secured.

Cause Under Investigation

The Knoxville Fire Department’s investigation unit is currently working to determine what sparked the fire.

Investigators remained on scene Sunday examining the building and gathering evidence.

No cause has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.