The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:22 PM

Three Dogs, One Cat Die In Knoxville Fire

Rural/Metro said crews had been dispatched to battle an active fire at a North Knoxville home Tuesday evening.

Crews, including four engines, one ladder company and one squad unit, worked to extinguish flames coming from the front side of a home located at 4225 Foley Drive in Knoxville.

A spokesman from Rural/Metro originally said the home's owners were not at the residence when crews arrived. However, after further interviews, responders learned the occupant was at home when the fire began. The owner attempted to extinguish the fire and move a burning couch outside before calling the fire department.

In his attempt to move the couch, the furniture became stuck in the front doorway. At that point, the homeowner called the fire department.

Firefighters forced entry into the home to rescue three cats and one dog. Resuscitation was initiated on the last cat, but the cat could not be revived. The other three animals were also deceased.

The fire was contained as it broke through the attic, according to the spokesman. Fifty percent of the home was damaged by the fire, and the other 50 percent sustained smoke and heat damage.