NEWS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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The Johnson City Fire Department responded to an apartment fire at 306 W Maple Street at 5:18 a.m. on February 19th.
An occupant of the apartments was awaken by the arcing of the electricity on the outside of the building. The apartment building is a large single-family home that has been converted into an apartment building with four units. All four units were occupied at the time of the fire. The building did have working smoke detectors.
The first arriving units found fire visible at the electrical meters. The fire appeared to be originating at the top of the meter-base. The Johnson City Power Board was contacted immediately to respond to the scene and disconnect the power. Firefighters had to use caution with their attempts to extinguish the fire because of the involvement of the live-electrical lines.
All of the occupants were evacuated with the assistance of fire personnel. This help prevent any injure to the occupants. The occupants of the apartments were assisted by the Johnson City Fire Department's Volunteer Chaplains and the Red Cross in finding alternate housing. It is not clear when the occupants will be able to return home.
The fire extended through the wall to the interior of the structure. Crews made an aggressive attack on the interior fire in an attempt to prevent extension to other areas of the building. Following initial knockdown of the fire, it was determined the fire had extended through the open walls of the balloon-frame construction to the attic. Additional crews were able to stop the spread of fire and prevented additional damage.
Attempts were made to contact the owner of the building, but they have been unsuccessful at the time of this release.
Preliminary investigations indicated the fire was caused when the wind blew the metal conduit loose from the meter base and exposed the service wires. The occupant stated the winds were gusting when he was awakened by the arcing.
Three Engines, one ladder truck, the manpower unit, shift-supervisor, and Rehab Unit responded. There were 14 firefighters and one Volunteer Chaplin on the scene. Washington County/Johnson City EMS units also responded to the scene to stand-by.
Please contact Lt. Stanley Daniels (423)483-5828 or Lt. Mike Oliver (423)483-5817 for more information.
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Lt./EMTP Jason Powell
Johnson City, TN Fire Dept.
B-Shift - "North Battalion"
Station 5
205 Broyles Dr.
Johnson City, TN 37601
Station: (423) 283-5804
Cell: (423) 483-5819
Fax: (423) 283-5885
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