Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District Capt. Regis Fowler, the incident commander, said that when the department arrived, flames were already through the roof. The home is located down a quarter-mile lane that had snow drifts through which the fire trucks had to drive.
Fowler immediately called for mutual aid from College Township, which sent an engine and five firefighters. Fredericktown brought a tanker, grass truck and 10 firefighters. The EKCJFD had 18 firefighters respond. Fowler said all of the personnel were needed because of the freezing conditions, under which firefighters’ clothing became soaked and froze. Hose lines also froze and broke.
After getting the fire, which was mostly in the third floor and roof, under control, firefighters helped the family remove furniture and personal effects from the home. The men worked in shifts, allowing them to rest and get ready to help again. The first floor and the contents were saved, but did have water damage, according to Fowler. He did not know the number of people in the family. He estimated the loss at $80,000 to $100,000. He suspects the fire started in the chimney of the home.
The Bladensburg Fire Department stood by on its station and the Nashville Fire Department sent men and equipment to man the Danville fire station. Firefighters were on the scene for more than three hours. There was at least that much more time and work when they returned to the station to thaw out and repair equipment, and be ready to go again. None of the firefighters were injured, Fowler said.
