VIDEO: The Knoxville Fire Department was one of many agencies that responded to CMC Recycling last week, working to clear more than 200 sticks of dynamite from a steel box. Now, after the event, KFD personnel are recounting what happened.
“It’s very rare for something like this to happen. In the time I’ve been on the fire department, I don’t know if I’ve ever had a situation quite like this,” KPD Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks said.
Wilbanks said they got the call Thursday about explosives being found at CMC Recycling. When crews arrived, they knew the situation was serious and started clearing the area.
“Their first thought is ‘we need to start moving folks back.’ That’s a pretty daunting task; if you just look at the businesses that are right there around the steel recycling facility area,” Wilbanks said.