KNOXVILLE – A structure fire in Knoxville resulted in one firefighter being sent to the hospital.

The Knoxville Fire Department says that they were dispatched to the 300 block of E. Pleasant Street last night (August 31) at approximately 7:48 PM. While en route, crews were advised that the 911 center had received multiple calls reporting a fire on the main floor that was fully involved, as well as calls that reported fire conditions on the second floor.

Upon arrival, crews were advised that there was a possibility that people could be trapped on the second floor. The Knoxville Police Department later spoke with witnesses who indicated that there was a possibility that a squatter had been staying at the residence. However, no one was able to confirm whether anyone was actually inside the residence when the fire started, and search operations conducted by EMS crews and mutual-aid crews confirmed that no occupants were inside as the fire overtook the residence.

The fire suppression effort led to one firefighter being transported to Knoxville Hospital and Clinics for evaluation of heat-related issues. Two additional firefighters were evaluated and treated at the scene, but no further injuries were reported.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation, which is being conducted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigators in cooperation with the Knoxville Fire Department.

The Knoxville Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville Rural Fire Department, Indiana Township Fire Department, Marion County Emergency Management Agency, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Pella EMS, Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy, and Knoxville Waterworks.