Saturday evening at 7:21 PM, the Knox County Emergency Communications District received an Automated alarm and a phone call for an activated fire alarm with a fire in an apartment on the 8th floor of 201 Locust Street.
As KFD units were departing the downtown fire station, fire could be seen coming from an upper floor of the building. KFD units arrived on the scene within 3 minutes of the alarm and were met by a security guard advising that the fire was on the 8th floor. The fire sprinkler system had activated, and water had already begun flowing on the reported fire. As crews made their way into the fire apartment, they were able to easily extinguish the remaining fire.
The fire apartment has suffered moderate fire and heavy water damage. Other apartments below it have suffered moderate water damage, and some occupants will likely be displaced. Units above the fire have moderate smoke damage. Approximately 16 apartments are involved.
The occupants are being assisted by the American Red Cross as needed.
The Knoxville Fire Investigations Unit is on the scene working to determine a cause.
The KFD Fire Marshal is working with management to restore fire protection to the building.
Knoxville Area Transit assisted by providing buses to hold occupants during the emergency.
