B

A structure fire on Elgin Drive in eastern Hamblen County Sunday night caused the total loss of a home and displaced four residents.

Just before 10 p.m. the call went out for a structure fire response and East Hamblen County VFD was first on scene with an arriving officer, Chief 2, confirming a “working fire that was progressing throughout the home.”

“It was going pretty good when we got here,” EHCVFD Chief Larry Boatman said. “It’s sad… a total loss for the home, but we saved all of their vehicles that were near the home.”

Firefighters from all four county VFDs responded to the scene to fight the fire and prevent spread. They took shifts to allow firefighters to warm up after working in wet, sub-zero temperatures.

“Everybody displayed good teamwork,” Boatman said. “With cold weather they were swapping in and out. Sitting in a warm truck cab is about all you can do. We have some of those Hot Hands.”

It was reported that the water-frozen-to-ice on the firefighters gear would audibly crack when firefighter would bend over or move. Frozen water on the ground creates slippery conditions, and cold injury of several sorts are of concern in those conditions.

In addition to the fire departments, the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, Morristown-Hamblen EMS, Hamblen County EMA and the American Red Cross responded to the scene.

Four residents were displaced with one being treated for a minor hand burn at the scene. The Red Cross is helping with temporary housing.

Firefighters were on the scene for over four hours, and a truck returned Monday morning to pour water on hot spots.