Hospital/Care Facility, Hospital/Medical Clinic

Maryville, TN – Sprinkler system extinguished fire at doctor’s office; No injuries reported

A small fire broke out in a doctor’s office on the third floor of Blount Memorial Hospital’s Physicians Office Building Wednesday.

There were no injuries, but the building was evacuated for approximately 90 minutes.

The fire began around 11:30 a.m. when a radiator lit up a nearby chair. The fire spread to the wall, but was put out by the sprinkler system before the Maryville Fire Department arrived.

Still, there was considerable smoke, Deputy Chief Mike Caylor said.

Because the room’s windows would not open, fans were used to blow the smoke into the building’s main atrium, where it was exhausted by the ventilation system there.

Firefighters monitored carbon monoxide levels throughout the hospital but found minimal readings.

“The hospital did a good job making sure we could get people out of harm’s way,” Caylor said.

Hospital spokesman Josh West emailed The Daily Times that the physician offices in the building have been closed to begin cleanup. Some patients who had appointments were rerouted to different offices, while others were rescheduled.

“We apologize to our patients who were inconvenienced,” West wrote. “While this incident was unfortunate, we’re grateful no one was injured. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Maryville Fire Department, and Maryville Police Department, both of which responded immediately to help ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff.”