KNOXVILLE – Two separate structure fires broke out in the city of Knoxville yesterday, one of which claimed the lives of multiple pets and severely injured one person.

The first fire occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday. The Knoxville Fire Department was dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of E Robinson St at around 12:46am. The fire reportedly broke out in the basement of the residence, and when firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke throughout the structure.

Crews entered the home and did not find anyone inside. No injuries were reported to firefighters or civilians as the fire was neutralized and salvage operations were conducted. Officials say the fire was caused by faulty wiring that had recently been installed during a remodel, and that the fire caused an estimated $25,000 in damages.

The second fire occurred on Sunday afternoon at a residence in the 1300 block of Lincoln St. The Knoxville Fire Department sent crews to the home, where they found heavy smoke throughout the building and fire emitting from the living room windows and front door. Firefighters began to fight the blaze and again found nobody inside the home, although one victim had left the home on their own. That victim was taken to Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, and later transported to the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics via air ambulance for treatment of injuries.

Authorities say that the fire appeared to have been caused by an alternate heat source, but it remains under investigation by the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, as well as the Knoxville Fire Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigator.

The home was deemed a total loss by authorities, and the Red Cross has been contacted to assist the displaced family. Officials reported that several pets were inside the home when the fire occurred and they did not survive.

The Knoxville Fire Department was assisted by several agencies for these fires, including the Knoxville Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Knoxville Rural Fire Department, Knoxville Waterworks, the Indiana Township Fire Department, Marion County EMA, Pella EMS, Mid-America, Alliant, and the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office.