KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Fire Department responded to a fire Wednesday at a building on Depot Avenue.
The fire was reported around 1:10 p.m. at a commercial structure at 423 West Depot near the AT&T Building. KFD said the structure doesn't appear to be occupied. Fire crews said they found evidence of people illegally living in or staying temporarily in the building.
Upon arrival, KFD crews said they found heavy smoke coming from a two-story commercial structure. As the initial arriving companies began to search for the fire, Knox County 911 received a phone call from a woman, saying that she was in the basement of the building and was unable to exit due to the smoke.
Simultaneously, crews began search and rescue efforts and attempts to extinguish the fire. Once crews were able to locate access to the basement, the area was searched and the woman was found, KFD said.
According to a press release, two members of the Knoxville Fire Department were able to carry the victim out to safety at 1:37 p.m. During this time, Knox County 911 dispatchers assisted with contacting the woman on her cell phone in attempts to assist with determining her location.
She was sent to UT Medical Center due to smoke inhalation. KFD said her condition is unknown.
KFD said that at 2:38 p.m. the fire was called under control and the fire was out at 2:49 p.m.
No additional injuries have been reported at this time, KFD said.
The fire is still under investigation.
The Knoxville Utilities Board Geographic Information System (KGIS) shows the building is currently owned by Central Hotel, LLC. According to Property Assessor's office, paperwork shows the building was purchased from Depot Properties, Inc. in January 2020 for $2,275,000.
