A Knoxville man died in a house fire on Tuesday night despite a rapid response from first-responders.Knoxville Police Chief Ron Poyner says an officer was on patrol in the neighborhood when he heard a “pop” sound and turned to see the house ablaze caddy-corner from where he was standing talking to a neighbor.
That was just before 9:30 p.m..
Officer Jared Hawkinson attempted to enter but the door was already too hot.
Roughly 30 minutes later the blaze had been extinguished by Knoxville and Maquon Fire Departments but the damage was done.
The lone resident of the house at 616 E. Newman St. was 67-year old Bradley Hobbs who is believed to have died as a result of smoke inhalation.
It’s also believed that several of Hobbs’ cats perished.
Poyner says Knoxville Police cleared the scene around midnight as the fire department continued to work.
The cause of the fire is now being investigated by the State Fire Marshal, but Poyner says nothing appeared “suspicious or unusual”, saying it’s just “one of those unfortunate events.”
The chief also believes the house is a total loss.
