Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Emergency crews responded Monday morning to a fire at Overcoming Believers Church in East Knoxville that caused significant damage to the church’s cafeteria but was prevented from spreading throughout the large building.
According to Knoxville Fire Department spokesperson Tim Woods, firefighters were dispatched to the church on Harriet Tubman Street shortly before 9:30 a.m. after a neighbor reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the structure.
The first fire crews arrived within minutes and found smoke and fire showing from the left side of the building.
Firefighters immediately launched an interior attack in an effort to stop the fire from spreading. Despite those efforts, the blaze quickly moved upward through the structure and eventually burned through the roof.
Fire Contained Within One Hour
Woods said firefighters were able to gain control of the fire and contain it primarily to the cafeteria area of the church.
Crews extinguished the fire by approximately 10:30 a.m.
The cafeteria sustained severe fire, smoke and water damage, according to fire officials. The remainder of the facility experienced only light smoke conditions.
Quick Response Prevented Greater Damage
Fire officials credited the rapid response by Knoxville firefighters with preventing a much larger loss.
“This fire was in a big building and had the potential to become a very large and damaging fire,” Woods said. “The quick response and attack by the fire companies saved the property.”
The church building’s size and the fire’s movement through the roof created the potential for extensive structural damage if crews had not contained the blaze quickly.
No Injuries Reported
No injuries were reported among church staff, citizens or firefighters.
Fire crews remained on scene following the incident to monitor conditions and assist investigators.
Cause Still Under Investigation
The Knoxville Fire Department’s investigation unit is continuing its examination of the fire scene.
Officials have not released a cause for the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Additional information is expected once investigators complete their review of the scene.
