KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Saturday, around 220 people were evacuated from the Manor at Northgate Terrace in North Knoxville following a fire on the eighth floor.
Officials said that the fire was contained in a single apartment, but it also led to water damage throughout the complex. So, officials said the power was turned off while crews made repairs. Since power would be off, they also said around 220 people in the building were evacuated.
Officials said that the firefighters tried to stop the flow of water from a sprinkler system that continued pouring water after the fire was extinguished. The water started filtering through ceilings to the apartments below and eventually started flowing out the front doors of the lobby on the ground floor, according to a release.
One resident was taken to the hospital with burns to their upper body. Information about their condition was not immediately available.
The American Red Cross of East Tennessee offered them shelter Saturday night at the Central Baptist Church in Bearden. It is located at 6300 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville TN, 37919.
They also said that Red Cross and Knoxville officials are working to find alternative housing for residents as needed.
The Manor at Northgate Terrace is owned by the Knoxville Community Development Corporation, which provides affordable housing across the city. This specific apartment complex offers independent living for seniors experiencing several kinds of issues. The apartments are also designed to provide affordable housing.
Many often need daily assistance and may use mobility aids to move around.
Officials with KCDC said that it could take between 2 and 7 days to clean up the building and make it safe for residents to return. Until then, officials said that the residents would be placed in hotels.
