A small fire broke out Sunday evening at Rocky Hill Elementary School in Knoxville, as confirmed by the Knoxville Fire Department (KFD). The incident, which took place in a portable classroom at 1200 Morrell Road, was promptly handled by firefighters after an automated fire alarm prompted their response at approximately 7:20 p.m. WBIR reported that upon arrival, the team found a heat and air unit on fire on the exterior of the classroom.
The fire, which was quickly controlled and extinguished by the first responders, caused moderate smoke and water damage to the involved classroom. Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks of the KFD stated, "Due to the smoke conditions, KFD upgraded the call to a working fire." Adjacent areas also suffered some degree of smoke damage from the incident, the effects of which are still under assessment by school officials. WATE further details the department's efforts to manage the smoke and water damage inflicted upon the classroom.
Despite the quick extinguishing of the fire, Rocky Hill Elementary School faced a closure on Monday to address the aftermath and ensure the safety of its students and faculty. The team on scene worked to secure the site and prevent any further incidents, an important step considering the potentially hazardous aftermath of such an event. While the immediate danger was averted, the cause of the fire remains undetermined. WVLT's report provides details on the severity of the fire's impact and the ongoing evaluations by Knox County Schools personnel.
Knox County school authorities are currently reviewing the damaged classrooms and the broader implications for school operations, with the primary focus being the safety of the children and the staff upon their return. According to Wilbanks' statement obtained by WATE, the fire started in the heating and air unit, although, the definitive cause is yet to be uncovered by investigators. The school's response team will orchestrate repairs and required maintenance to address the damage inflicted by the fire. As the investigation continues, the community awaits a comprehensive understanding of this disruption to their routine, hoping to safeguard their children from any similar occurrences in the future.
