Knoxville Fire Department responds to two consecutive fires
Published March 30, 2023; 2:24 p.m.

Crews working a fire at God's Church on Beaumont Avenue. Image by KFD

KNOXVILLE -- This morning at 1:07 AM, The Knox County Emergency Communications Center received a call for a smoke in the Beaumont Ave and McSpadden Street area. The caller stated they could see smoke in the church at this intersection. A second call advised the church was on fire.

On arrival of KFD units at 1198 Beaumont Ave, companies reported a working fire with fire and smoke coming from the basement in the rear. Initial companies attempted to make a fire attack on the interior of the building.

However, due to the heavy fire and rapidly changing conditions, the crew was pulled from the structure, and companies were forced to fight the fire from the exterior of the building. At 3:02 AM, the fire was deemed under control, and crews began an extensive overhaul process. The majority of KFD had cleared the scene by 4:00 AM.

No injuries were reported.

The building is a total loss.

Crews working a fire at God's Place Church on Beaumont Avenue. Image by KFD

It is unknown as of this writing if the church is still in use or has been vacated. However, several people were believed to be illegally occupying the basement.

The Knoxville Fire Department Fire Investigations unit is on the scene, working to determine a cause.

Fire and smoke billow from a house fire at 1401 W. Baxter. Image by KFD

As the above fire scene unfolded, The Knox County Emergency Communications Center received a call at approximately 1:10 AM for a house on fire in the vicinity at 1401 W. Baxter. Upon the arrival of fire units, a residential fire was declared, and crews began extinguishing this fire. Fire Companies were able to extinguish the fire quickly.

The home appeared vacant but was occupied by people not authorized to be in the structure. In addition, the structure did not have power or utilities.

The home has suffered heavy fire damage.

No Injuries have been reported.

Knoxville Fire Department Investigators are working to determine a cause.

The Beaumont fire required the use of 4 engine companies, 2 ladder companies, 1 battalion chief, and 19 members of KFD. The West Baxter fire required usage of 2 engine companies, 1 quint company, 1 ladder company, 2 battalion chiefs, and 16 members of KFD.