Fire contained to single room after late-night call at Super 8 in Knoxville
The Knoxville Fire Department responded late Monday after reports of a structure fire at the Super 8 hotel in Knoxville. Dispatch came at 10:55 p.m., and crews arrived to find smoke showing from the hotel's second floor, officials said.
Firefighters initially assigned a tower ladder company, an EMS company and a command officer to the scene. Upon arrival, the department upgraded the response to a working fire assignment when smoke conditions were confirmed, and a tower ladder crew made entry into the building.
Investigators determined the fire originated in the bathroom ceiling of a second-floor guest room, where crews discovered active fire in the exhaust fan. Fire crews extinguished the blaze and confined it to the room of origin. While the fire damage was limited to that room, smoke affected multiple areas of the structure.
Search, ventilation and overhaul
Fire crews completed a systematic search of the hotel to locate guests and ensure everyone was safe. The search turned up no injuries; all guests were reported safe and accounted for. Crews then ventilated smoke and other products of combustion from the building and performed overhaul operations once the investigation was finished.
- Origin of fire: Bathroom exhaust fan in a second-floor room
- Extent of damage: Fire and smoke damage contained to one room; smoke damage throughout the rest of the hotel
- Occupant status: All guests accounted for; no injuries reported
Agencies that assisted on scene
Multiple agencies assisted Knoxville Fire Department personnel at the scene. Marion County Emergency Management was contacted to help the affected guest find alternate accommodations after the incident.
| Agency / Unit | Role on Scene |
|---|---|
| Knoxville Fire Department | Tower ladder, EMS company, command officer; fire suppression, search, ventilation, overhaul |
| Knoxville Police Department | Assisted on scene |
| Knoxville Rural Fire Department | Mutual aid |
| Pella EMS | Medical support |
| Marion County Sheriff’s Office / EMA | Assistance and coordination for displaced guest |
| Alliant & MidAmerican | Support roles on scene |
The Knoxville Fire Department reported crews confined the blaze to the room where it started and completed an investigation before beginning overhaul to check for hidden fire or hazards. Fire officials said the ignition point was the bathroom exhaust fan, a common source of electrical or mechanical failures that can lead to fires when ventilation systems accumulate lint, grease or experience wiring faults.
Although no injuries were reported, the incident underscores fire safety concerns in lodging facilities, where smoke can spread quickly through hallways and ventilation systems. Local emergency officials frequently urge visitors and residents to ensure smoke alarms are functioning and to report any signs of smoke or malfunctioning electrical or ventilation equipment immediately.
The hotel sustained smoke damage throughout and at least one room with both smoke and fire damage. Marion County Emergency Management worked with the hotel guest affected by the room loss to locate alternate lodging.
Officials have not announced any citations or charges related to the cause beyond the determination that the bathroom exhaust fan was where the fire began. Knoxville Fire Department will complete its official report and submit findings to relevant city departments as required.
Residents and travelers with questions about the incident may contact the Knoxville Fire Department for further information.
