A North Knoxville residence was significantly damaged following a fire on Saturday night, according to officials from the Knoxville Fire Department. The fire broke out in a house located on the 3100 block of Rector Street, as WVLT-TV reported. Firefighters arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call just after 10:30 p.m. and noted heavy smoke billowing from the property.
Upon entering the premises, responders conducted a thorough search and confirmed that no individuals were present inside the building. The fire was reportedly extinguished within 30 minutes of the fire crews' response, per a KFD spokesperson. However, the home incurred considerable fire, smoke, and water damage as a result of the blaze. A neighbor informed the fire department that the occupant of the house was not at home during the time of the fire, WATE further elucidated.
In a statement obtained by WBIR, a KFD spokesperson detailed that "heavy smoke with fire coming from the basement" was observed by the first responders. The incident was initially reported by a neighbor via call to the Knox County Communications District around 10:30 p.m.
Currently, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire investigators are on the scene working to determine what sparked the blaze. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries related to the incident. Further updates on the investigation's progress and findings are expected as the Knoxville Fire Department continues their scrutiny into the origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding this event.
