Family Displaced After Overnight Apartment Fire in West Knoxville

A family of four was displaced early Wednesday morning after a fire broke out in a West Knoxville apartment complex. According to the Knoxville Fire Department, firefighters responded to reports of smoke in a bedroom at Papermill Square Apartments at 12:44 a.m.Upon arrival, crews found flames in one of the 10 units’ bedrooms and quickly extinguished the fire, confining damage to that room. One resident was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but released. The displaced family, including a child, is receiving aid from the American Red Cross.

KFD spokesman Mark Wilbanks told WATE 6 that the remaining apartments sustained only minor smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though no injuries were reported.

Papermill Square Apartments, located on Papermill Square Road in West Knoxville, offers one- and two-bedroom units starting around $800 per month. Residents of the impacted building should contact apartment management regarding when they can safely return to their homes.

The Knoxville Fire Department regularly responds to residential fires across the city and county, though many are contained before inflicting substantial harm. However, the threat of apartment and home fires remains an ongoing concern, especially for families. Knoxville residents are encouraged to exercise fire safety precautions like installing working smoke detectors, keeping fire exits clear, and avoiding potential hazards.