Greenback firefighter injured after home reignites

One firefighter was injured after the Greenback Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire twice in the span of a day starting Tuesday afternoon. Fire Chief Ronnie Lett said the home reignited around 5 a.m. Wednesday.

The firefighter was injured when a hose ruptured Wednesday morning, leaving a wound on his hand that required stitches.

Firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, Lett said. A resident of the home, located in the 6000 block of U.S. 411 South, had been working on a lawnmower in the basement. The lawnmower backfired and started the fire, Lett said.

Lett said his department was assisted by members of Loudon County Fire and Rescue, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department. A total of 35 firefighters in 15 vehicles responded to the fire and worked to contain it, finally leaving at around 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Lett said the fire reignited at around 5 a.m. Wednesday, leading the department to respond and extinguish the blaze once more.

The home was a total loss.

Crews say lawn mower caused Greenback house fire

GREENBACK, Tenn. (WATE) — An accidental fire has damaged a 3,300 sq. ft. home in Greenback Tuesday afternoon after a man was working on his lawn mower, according to the Greenback Volunteer Fire Department.

The male resident was working on his lawn mower in the basement when the engine “exploded,” Greenback Fire Chief Ronnie Lett told WATE. Crews responded to the home on Highway 411 around 4:36 p.m.

Lett said the fire started at the basement, went through the floor of the living room and spread to the third floor.

Neighbors reportedly helped both residents get out of the home.

Lett said other departments responded to help extinguish the fire including Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department, Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department, Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department and Loudon County Fire & Rescue. They were able to extinguish the fire.

After further investigation, crews determined it was an accidental fire. The residents are speaking with the Red Cross for assistance.

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8/14/23