The Daily Times

The owner of a mobile home at 610 Kian Court in Maryville was sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation after a structure fire occurred at his home this morning.

According to Capt. Tim Ogle of the Blount County Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to the home at approximately 9:23 a.m. The department’s first unit reported flames going through the roof as they arrived on the scene.

The homeowners, Charlie and Jennifer Shores, and their four children got out safely, however, Charlie Shores went back into the home to try to retrieve two cats but suffered from smoke inhalation and was transported to Blount Memorial Hospital for observation, Ogle said.

There were six trucks and 14 firefighters to combat the blaze. Firefighters called in a control time of 9:53 a.m., and they left the scene at approximately 11:39 a.m.

The family was apparently awakened by a smoke alarm. Ogle said every home should have several working smoke alarms.

“This is the same mobile home park that we were going door-to-door to make sure everyone had smoke alarms,” Ogle said. “Every one had them, and the family got out safely, so that’s all that matters.

The fire started in the middle of the living room area, and the home was severely damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.