By J.J. KINDRED
J.Kindred@theknoxvillejournal.com
A fire took place at the Universal Church of Deliverance at 2611 Magnolia Ave. in East Knoxville Jan. 5, causing a large amount of damage to the building.
According to Knoxville Fire Department spokesperson D.J. Corcoran, the fire occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. Dispatchers started receiving multiple calls from individuals passing by the church, claiming that smoke was coming from the building.
When firefighters arrived, they found a fair amount of smoke coming from the eaves of the building. Firefighters gained entry into the church and searched the three levels for the source. Fire, and heavy smoke were detected in the basement area with extensions along the exterior wall reaching to the attic. The fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
Arson investigators thought the fire was suspicious at first, but it was determined that there was no foul play and the fire might have been caused by an electrical problem.
Fire and water heavily damaged the church’s kitchen, a food pantry and clothes. The church will pray at the site of the fire Jan. 6, and then hold their normal church service in a building next door.
