MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Two firefighters were injured battling a house fire in Maryville early Wednesday morning.
The Blount County fire department was called to the house on Mutton Hollow Road just after 5 a.m., according to Chief Doug McClanahan. When they arrived, there was heavy smoke coming from the basement of the house.
After fire crews entered the home, something exploded, injuring two firefighters. One was treated on the scene, the other was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The woman who owns the home was sleeping when the fire started, but was awakened by the smoke alarm. She was able to escape outside with her pets. The house is likely a total loss, according to the chief. The homeowner said the house was built by her father and she grew up in the house, so losing it was devastating to her family.
Fire crews faced several challenges while trying to get the fire under control. In addition to the explosion and some floor collapses, firefighters were also battling the heat.
"The guys are all wore out," said Chief McClanahan. "This was a tough fire."
They worked to keep firefighters hydrated as they also had to shuttle water into fight the fire because the area had no hydrants.
The Greenback and Friendsville fire departments were called in to assist.