Call Disaster Response for Emergency Water Damage Clean-Up
- 24/7 Emergency Response - Call Now!
- Stop The Damage Before Mold Forms
- Our Home Inusurance Claim Experts Are Ready
- Learn How We Help Families With Water Damage
Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Knoxville, TN
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of Tennessee in Knoxville to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Knoxville, TN is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Knoxville. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Fire Damage for Ben Leeper
Mold Remediation for hlsmith0814
Sewer Backup for Lisa Beadle
Soot Removal for Edd Bowen
Water Damage for Tonya Luvisch
Fire Damage for Taryn Connell
Mold Remediation for Karen Romonouski
Sewer Backup for Amanda Shohoney
Soot Removal for arlene tortorello
Water Damage for Meagan
Fire Damage for Kala Doyle
Mold Remediation for Joan Campbell
Sewer Backup for Shannon Wade
Soot Removal for Sharrn
Water Damage for Tracy Farah
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Historic Ramsey House in Knoxville, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Knoxville.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Knoxville, TN
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Windsor Ridge in Knoxville for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Knoxville, TN, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Knoxville?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Lakeshore Park in Knoxville. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Knoxville, TN, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to MabryHazen House in Knoxville, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Knoxville restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Knoxville, TN, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Knoxville, TN
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Knoxville, TN, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Lonesome Dove Knoxville in Knoxville. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Knoxville rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Knoxville, TN
Fire destroys building on Knoxville College campus
wbir.comhttps://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/kfd-on-scene-of-working-fire-knoxville-college-campus/51-d42b864a-4874-4dc3-a087-5b874f0c5d8a
KFD posted the warning to social media at 8:38 p.m. Monday. The fire department said it was reported at the college's former administrative building.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Update 11/5 at 9:38 a.m. The Knoxville Fire Department says that fire crews are continuing to wet down hot spots. The impacted building, identified as the L. Nathan building, was too dangerous to leave standing and has been torn down due to safety issues, KFD says.KFD says that the building is over 100 years old and has not been used by Knoxvi...
KFD posted the warning to social media at 8:38 p.m. Monday. The fire department said it was reported at the college's former administrative building.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Update 11/5 at 9:38 a.m.
The Knoxville Fire Department says that fire crews are continuing to wet down hot spots. The impacted building, identified as the L. Nathan building, was too dangerous to leave standing and has been torn down due to safety issues, KFD says.
KFD says that the building is over 100 years old and has not been used by Knoxville College in several years. There was no power to the building at the time of the fire. The building will likely be turned back over to the school sometime later today.
Investigators are actively following up on leads and ask that anyone with information on the cause of the fire anonymously call 865-637-1386 or 1-800-762-3017.
-----
The Knoxville Fire Department said a former administrative Knoxville College building burned down Monday evening.
The fire first broke out around 8:30 p.m. Monday. KFD said a heavy fire was showing when crews arrived, and they began "defensive operations" with master streams to contain the blaze.
As of Tuesday morning, crews are still working to put out hotspots.
Credit: WBIR
KFD spokesperson Mark Wilbanks said although the building was a total loss, he did not expect the fire to spread beyond the building.
He said the building was over 100 years old and no injuries were reported. He said its cause was under investigation. There is no indication that anyone was in the building when the fire began. He also said crews were working through issues with poor water availability near the Knoxville College campus.
"It's a sad day for Knoxville," said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. "Knoxville College has a long history of education in our community."
A member of the college's board of trustees said the building had been secured and people could not get in. He also said he believed the fire was set by a person, although KFD said its cause was under investigation. He also said the board would continue working towards re-accreditation.
Kincannon said the former administrative building had not been used in "a long time." She and Wilbanks also expected crews to continue responding overnight to safely put out the fire.
Knoxville College is East Tennessee's only Historically Black College or University.
In February 2023, crews also responded to calls about a fire on the Knoxville College campus. However, that blaze was extinguished within 10 minutes of crews responding to the call. The fire reported on Monday was significantly larger.
— Knoxville Fire (@KnoxvilleFire) November 5, 2024
More information, such as the cause of the fire, was not immediately available. This story will be updated when more information is available.
Election Day 2024: What East Tennessee voters need to know before heading to the polls
Josh Jarnaginhttps://www.wvlt.tv/2024/11/04/election-day-2024-what-east-tennessee-voters-need-know-before-heading-polls/
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Thousands of people in East Tennessee will be headed to the polls on Tuesday to cast their vote.The Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office has some important information for voters before they head to the polls.All the polling places in Tennessee open between 7 and 9 a.m. on Tuesday, but all will close at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT).Below is a breakdown of when polls open across Tennessee:...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Thousands of people in East Tennessee will be headed to the polls on Tuesday to cast their vote.
The Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office has some important information for voters before they head to the polls.
All the polling places in Tennessee open between 7 and 9 a.m. on Tuesday, but all will close at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT).
Below is a breakdown of when polls open across Tennessee:
TN Polls Opening by County by WVLT News on Scribd
Click here to a find your polling location and to look at a sample ballot and elected officials.
Tennesseans must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls. In addition to a driver’s license, voters may bring a photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee state government or by the federal government, even if they are expired.
If the ID is expired, voters must bring a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or any other government document that shows the voter’s name and address.
Click here to learn more about what types of ID are acceptable in order to vote.
The Secretary of State‘s Office has an interactive map with information on each county’s election commission.
Click here for more information on your county’s election commission, including address, phone number and hours.
More than 2.2 million votes were cast during early voting in Tennessee, an estimated statewide turnout of 45.88%.
Previous Coverage: Early voting ends across East Tennessee
That number is down slightly from early voting in 2020 but up more than 30% compared to early voting in 2016.
Click here for the full list of how early voter turnout in 2024 compares to 2020 and 2016.
Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.
Election Day 2024: Are schools, banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open?
Allie Feinberghttps://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/04/election-day-2024-are-banks-post-offices-ups-fedex-schools-open-tennessee/75994634007/
While Tennessee schools are closed for Election Day, it's not a federal holiday. That means most businesses are still open and a lot of voters will have to get to the polls before or after the work day.But if you do need to take some time off work to vote, you can. Tennessee law gives voters up to three hours of paid time off to vote on election day, but employees need to notify their employer ...
While Tennessee schools are closed for Election Day, it's not a federal holiday. That means most businesses are still open and a lot of voters will have to get to the polls before or after the work day.
But if you do need to take some time off work to vote, you can. Tennessee law gives voters up to three hours of paid time off to vote on election day, but employees need to notify their employer by noon Nov. 4.
Here's what else to know about Election Day in Knoxville.
Are banks open on Election Day?
Branches of Bank of America, Truist, PNC, Capital One, Wells Fargo and other banks will be open their regular hours on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Other banking services, such as ATMs and online banking, are available as usual on Election Day.
Are schools open on Election Day?
No. Tennessee law requires public and charter schools to close if they're used as polling places.
Is the post office open on Election Day? Will mail be delivered?
Yes, there will be regular mail service.
Knox County voters with absentee ballots can bring them to the downtown and Weisgarber USPS offices, at 501 W. Main St. and 1237 Weisgarber Road, by 4 p.m. on Election Day.
Are UPS and FedEx open on Election Day?
Yes, UPS and FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on Election Day, and their stores will be open as well.
Can I vote anywhere?
No. Election Day voting must be done at a voter's assigned precinct location. You can find your polling place on the Knoxville/Knox County GIS website.
Get results, news and analysis on your terms!
It's easy to download the Knox News app and turn on news alerts, or sign up for news alert emails and our Daily Briefing.
Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg
Owners of Knoxville pharmacy that was raided by the FBI in April accused of more than $8.7 million worth of health care fraud
wbir.comhttps://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/rocky-hill-pharmacy-health-care-fraud-charges/51-28647020-190a-4bfd-a90f-3dfe8cfe9714
Prosecutors accused Tiffany Haney and Anne Warren of altering and forging prescriptions to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance plans.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The owners of a Knoxville pharmacy that was raided by the FBI in April now face accusations that over around six years, they racked up more than $8.7 million in health care fraud.An indictment sai...
Prosecutors accused Tiffany Haney and Anne Warren of altering and forging prescriptions to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance plans.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The owners of a Knoxville pharmacy that was raided by the FBI in April now face accusations that over around six years, they racked up more than $8.7 million in health care fraud.
An indictment said from August 2018 to July 2024, Tiffany Haney and Anne Warren with Rocky Hill Pharmacy defrauded health care insurance programs. It accused them of submitting forged prescriptions to Medicare and Medicaid programs for reimbursement. It also accused them of submitting fake prescriptions to private health insurance companies.
The indictment also said "other persons and entities known and unknown to the grand jury" could have worked with them on the scheme.
It said Haney and Warren would forge prescriptions using the names of medical providers and listed themselves and their family members as patients.
Haney is accused of falsely filling a muscle relaxer prescription for her husband on Jan. 23, 2019, and then filing insurance claims from the bogus prescription. The indictment said the pharmacy billed insurance $1,802 per claim and received around $1,232 for each claim.
A similar scheme began in February 2020 when Haney allegedly filed a prescription for Warren's husband.
It also said they created a drug formulary that included steroids and creams like lidocaine and fluocinonide. Prosecutors said they chose those drugs because of their high reimbursement rates from health care benefit programs. Two people would then market the formulary to pain clinics and health care providers.
The indictment said Haney and Warren would then alter legitimately signed formularies by checking boxes next to unprescribed medications and writing refills that hadn't been prescribed. They're also accused of handwriting a patient's name at the top of formularies, marking boxes for medications and falsely signing providers' names.
"In some cases, Tiffany Haney and Anne Warren included a notation falsely implying that a forged prescription was phoned in to the pharmacy and/or verbally authorized by a provider's representative," the indictment said.
Warren and Haney are facing charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, making false statements relating to healthcare matters and aggravated identity theft. Both are expected to appear in court on Nov. 12 for a hearing.
Crews fight major fire at campus of historic Knoxville College
Melanie Vásquez Russellhttps://www.wate.com/news/local-news/crews-fighting-major-fire-at-campus-of-knoxville-college/
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Firefighters were working hot spots Tuesday morning after a major fire that broke out on the Knoxville College campus on Monday.According to Knoxville Fire spokesperson, Mark Wilbanks, the L. Nathan building that caught fire has since been torn down for safety reasons and an investigation is underway.“The L. Nathan building is over 100 years old and has not been occupied by Knoxville College in a number of years. There was no power to the building,” Wilbanks stated in an email update ...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Firefighters were working hot spots Tuesday morning after a major fire that broke out on the Knoxville College campus on Monday.
According to Knoxville Fire spokesperson, Mark Wilbanks, the L. Nathan building that caught fire has since been torn down for safety reasons and an investigation is underway.
“The L. Nathan building is over 100 years old and has not been occupied by Knoxville College in a number of years. There was no power to the building,” Wilbanks stated in an email update Tuesday morning. “The building was torn down due to safety issues. It was too dangerous to leave standing. This has not hampered the investigation.”
Wilbanks also said that Investigators are actively following up on leads, and if anyone has any information, they can anonymously call 865-637-1386 or 1-800-762-3017.
Knoxville Assistant Fire Chief Mark Wilbanks said that the blaze was first reported in a 911 call around 8:30 p.m. Crews reported heavy fire coming from the top of the administrative building known as L. Nathan Hall and quickly made the decision that no firefighters would enter the building.
Fire personnel remained at the scene overnight. Wilbanks told reporters around 11 p.m. Monday that they believe nobody was inside the building when crews arrived.
“The building is extremely unsafe because it is unstable with those walls that are still left,” Wilbanks said. “This is a 100-plus-year-old building probably had a lot of wooden floors and things like that. It is a complete and total loss for the college.”
This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.
Knoxville College is a Historically Black College or University that was founded by the Presbyterian Church of North America in 1875. It lost its accreditation in 1997 and stopped offering classes after 2015. Officials in recent years have sought to begin the reaccreditation process in order to reopen the school.
Wilbanks said that crews have responded to eight fires at the campus in 2024. He asked anyone who was a witness to the fire to come forward to assist their investigation.
“Well obviously the impact is you’re shocked, but at the same time not shocked,” said Frank Shanklin, Jr., an alumni representative for the college’s board of trustees. “This is an issue that we’ve had on campus for quite sometime with folks breaking into the buildings and setting little fires here and there. This fire here behind me is definitely the most major fire that we’ve had on campus.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated.
Disclaimer:
