Fire in Downtown Knoxville!

To our city's devoted and courageous firemen I say, "Thank you!" 

Thank you for the countless hours you go unappreciated, unthanked, and unrecognized...

Early in the morning on Feb 7, 07 at exactly 1:51 a.m. the south side of the McClung warehouse collapses.

1:52 a.m.

By 2:28 a.m. the east side of the building has also collapsed. Now there are rumors of other fires in and around downtown. One is visible from where we are standing in the parking lot of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the north end of downtown.

2:42 a.m.

Flaming embers from this massive fire are landing on other buildings nearby. Firemen are hopping about on rooftops and hosing them with water to douse the small fires before they spread.

Local musician, Niles Haury casually lights a cigarette as the fire blazes below. 

Alexander Braden looks on in awe and disbelief.

These images and captions are © Paul F. Hassell as are all images and text on this blog and www.paulhassell.com. For use in publication, please contact me through the website.