Fifty-three residents evacuated from Blue Bell Towers after fire broke out in a second-floor apartment and sent heavy smoke throughout the six-story building. A Knox County Sheriffโs deputy ordered an evacuation after responding to a fire alarm at 12:48 p.m. Thursday and found heavy smoke on the second floor, according to a news release from the sheriffโs office.
Abingdon firefighters focused on the second-floor apartment fire as smoke spread to upper-floor hallways, while responders evacuated residents, including children and residents who use wheelchairs or have other disabilities.
Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service treated several people for smoke inhalation, including a sheriffโs deputy who was taken to St. Maryโs Medical Center for treatment, the sheriffโs office said. No serious injuries were reported.
Responders rescued multiple animals and transported them for veterinary care. One cat was found dead on the second floor.
