If you spotted a cloud of smoke hanging over East Knoxville on Monday, it was likely a working structure fire near Harriet Tubman Street off Magnolia Avenue, according to the Knoxville Fire Department. Photos shared by the department show crews on ladders with dense smoke pouring out of the building while neighbors watch from nearby sidewalks. Officials did not release any information on injuries or a possible cause in their initial social media update.
Fire Department Shares Smoky Scene From East Knoxville Fire
The Knoxville Fire Department posted several photos and a brief update on its Facebook page Monday, saying crews were "on scene of a working structure" near Harriet Tubman off Magnolia, according to Knoxville Fire Department - TN. In the images, firefighters can be seen operating handlines and ladder trucks as heavy smoke billows from the structure. At the time of that update, the department had not reported any injuries or identified a cause.
Where It Happened
The Facebook post described the location as "Harriet Tubman off of Magnolia," placing the scene in East Knoxville's Parkridge area near East Magnolia Avenue, per the City of Knoxville. Harriet Tubman Street connects to Magnolia and includes Harriet Tubman Park, a small neighborhood green space close to the corridor. The intersection with Magnolia is a regular route for emergency responses to incidents on the east side.
Local Context and Safety Reminders
This call adds to what has already been a busy summer for KFD, with the department responding to apartment and kitchen fires across the city in recent months, as reported in coverage of a busy summer of apartment and kitchen fires. Fire officials frequently remind residents to stay with cooking food, keep exits clear and test smoke alarms monthly, noting that those basic steps significantly reduce the risk of injury. Authorities have not yet said whether an investigation into the cause of Monday's incident will be opened.
The Knoxville Fire Department's Facebook post remains the main public update on this fire, and city officials had not released additional details as of Monday. This story will be updated if KFD or city leaders share more information.
