KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Crews responded Thursday to a large fire at Junk Car Mafia on Old Rutledge Pike that sent a massive plume of smoke into the sky, visible from across Knoxville.
Jeff Devlin, the fire chief for Rural Metro, said at least 12 cars were engulfed in flames and the junkyard's building was also burned down. He said its roof collapsed, catching burning objects beneath it. He said as a result, it could take hours for crews to fully put out the fire.
He said it likely started when crews at the junkyard were cutting up a car that was up on a lift. He said it caught fire and the crews delayed calling 911, instead trying to use a forklift to get the car out of the building.
He said that attempt likely worsened the fire, and by delaying the call to 911 he said crews had a harder time fighting the fire. However, Devlin said no injuries were reported.
He also said the junkyard's building was a total loss.
The Knoxville Utilities Board said it had to turn off power for around 480 customers so Rural Metro crews could safely respond to the fire. KUB said it would turn the power back on as soon as it is safe to do so.
He repeatedly urged people to never delay calling 911 if they see a fire and also said people should leave the building if they see a fire break out.
