NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A firefighter was hospitalized and remains in critical, but stable condition following a fire that broke out during heavy storms Saturday afternoon at Glass Creek Apartments. The fire caused 24 apartments to be displaced.
Mt. Juliet Fire provided the update Sunday following the fire on Saturday. “We ask for your continued support and prayers and appreciate the privacy given to the injured firefighters’ family, friends, and coworkers at this time,” Interim Fire Chief Joey Edwards said.
There was no injuries to any residents, but the firefighter was injured during a collapse in part of the building. It happened as first responders were attempting to evacuate the building. "At some moment during that the building started to collapse while three firefighters were inside," said Capt. Tyler Chandler with the Mt. Juliet Police Department. "One was in a situation where he could not immediately get out." The firefighter is currently at Skyline Medical Center.
"I would appeal to the community and just ask for prayers for our injured firefighter that has been hospitalized - prayers for him, his family, his coworkers that are so concerned for him and everyone that's been involved here," said Mt. Juliet mayor, James Maness.
According to Justin Beasley, the spokesperson for the Mt. Juliet Fire Department, the 400 building in the apartment complex on Old Pleasant Grove Rd caught fire just after noon on Saturday, and is a total loss. The building housed 24 units. Mt. Juliet Police say many in the complex were not aware there was a fire at first as it started on the roof. "Our crews were given an unprecedented task when they showed up at about 12:30, I believe, when that first call was in," said Beasley.
Fire crews say they believe a lightning strike started the fire, but the cause remains under investigation.
The 500 building was evacuated as a precaution. There was no damage to the 1200 building.
The American Red Cross is assisting those who were displaced.
I’m getting pictures and videos from residents of Glass Creek. I truly hope every person and pet made it out safely. pic.twitter.com/edG0x9xdKl
— Kelsey Gibbs (@kelseymgibbs) August 12, 2023
Viewer Bryceson Burton shared these photos with NewsChannel 5 of the fire's destruction of at least one apartment building at the complex.
NewsChannel 5's Kelsey Gibbs was in the area at the time of the fire and was able to take this video.
I can see the smoke from where I’m getting my tires change. I was told by a at Target employee that a lightning strike may have caused the fire. This is unconfirmed of course. @NC5 has a crew headed to the scene. https://t.co/avQmzNKv3V pic.twitter.com/1gGNnyBLX6
— Kelsey Gibbs (@kelseymgibbs) August 12, 2023
NewsChannel 5 photographer James Garbee also captured images of the heavy smoke throughout the area
