Fire Engulfs Fort Loudon Waste and Recycling Facility in Knoxville; Community Raises Safety Concerns

Fort Loudon Waste and Recycling Fire in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN – August 16, 2024

Late Thursday night, a significant fire broke out at the Fort Loudon Waste and Recycling facility in North Knoxville, prompting a prompt response from local firefighters. The Knoxville Fire Department (KFD) received the first reports of the fire around 10:28 p.m., which indicated a major blaze in a 10,500 square foot building located at the end of Hancock Street.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the facility “heavily involved in fire.” Given the scale of the incident, KFD quickly transitioned to defensive operations to combat the flames. Crews set up large water streams to flood the burning structure, and additional firefighting units were called to assist, highlighting the extensive nature of the emergency.

Repeated Incidents at the Facility

This isn’t the first time the Fort Loudon facility has faced such challenges. Back in May 2019, a fire ignited there when a forklift reportedly backfired. That incident led to the evacuation of nearby residents and a sizeable response from emergency services. Such past events raise concerns about safety measures at the recycling site.

Efforts and Containment

Regarding the current fire, KFD spokesperson Mark Wilbanks reported, “The bulk of the fire has been knocked down. However, crews will remain on scene working on hot spots throughout early Friday morning.” Firefighters deployed three master streams to manage the flames effectively. As they battled the fire, the crew was also supported by the KFD rehab bus which provided necessary rest and recuperation for the firefighters on duty.

In addition to firefighting efforts, a hazardous materials company was called to the scene for additional safety measures. They performed air monitoring to ensure that no harmful substances were posing a risk to the surrounding area, although initial observations showed that no hazardous materials were detected.

No Injuries Reported

Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries related to this fire. The fire department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze. KFD officials encourage anyone with information regarding the incident to reach out to the KFD Arson Hotline at 865-637-1386 or the State Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017, ensuring that all tips are kept confidential.

Community Response

The fire at Fort Loudon Waste and Recycling has once again sparked conversations in the community regarding the safety of waste management facilities. Residents have expressed concerns about how previous fires and the continued operation of such facilities could impact their health and safety.

As crews focus on completely extinguishing the remaining fire and ensuring the area is safe, local officials and investigators will likely review protocols and standards in place to prevent future incidents.

Conclusion

The Fort Loudon Waste and Recycling fire serves as a reminder of the risks associated with waste facilities and the importance of emergency response protocols. The Knoxville Fire Department is working diligently to manage the aftermath while community members hope for improved safety measures in the future.