KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Crews were responding to a fire reported at a West Knoxville dollar store Tuesday afternoon, according to the Knoxville Fire Department. A large plume of white smoke rose from the store at around 3:30 p.m. The store is located in a strip mall near the I-40 off-ramp in Cedar Bluff.
According to a press release from KFD, a worker called 911 and reported smoke coming from within the store but did not know what was burning. The worker also told KFD that everyone inside the store was exiting the building at that time.
Upon arrival at the scene, crews could see smoke showing from the outside of the store, according to the release.
KFD said crews from Engine 21 entered the building to try and locate the source of the fire. The crews were then met with heavy smoke and could see flames at the ceiling.
"The fire went up into the void space above the drop ceiling," KFD said. "At this point, the fire was starting to breach to roof on the left side of the building. "
Crews then called for a second alarm, meaning two more trucks and a ladder were sent to the scene, the release said.
"KFD fought the fire from the inside and was able to extinguish all the fire below the roof," KFD said. "At this time, KFD began aerial operations to put the fire out from above the building."
Video footage showed a firetruck with its ladder extended, trying to spray water on the building. The Dollar General store was located in a strip mall where CM Games, Pho 99 and the Empty Cup coffee shop was also located.
All other stores in the strip mall were closed and everyone was evacuated following the fire, according to crews one scene. KFD said it responded after getting a call about a fire in the back corner of the building, and when crews arrived smoke was rising.
They said it burned through the roof and turned off power for the store. As they responded to the fire, crews also manually turned off the power.
No injuries were reported from the fire.
KFD said the fire was out and crews were cleaning up as of around 5:26 p.m. on Tuesday with all buildings in the strip mall closed until further notice.
The scene has now been turned over to investigators to determine the cause of the fire, KFD said.
Additional information about the fire, such as its cause, was not immediately available. This story will be updated when more information is available.