A fire that broke out in an apartment on Elk Street was contained before it could destroy neighboring units Tuesday, but the residents of all four occupants will be displaced, at least for the night.
The fire started in an end unit of a four-apartment building in Greeneville Terrace Apartments. Flames had spread into the attic area when firefighters arrived. The end apartment sustained heavy fire and smoke damage, while the adjacent unit received smoke and water damage.
Power was disconnected to the entire building, leaving residents of all four apartments without shelter. Greene County chaplain Danny Ricker coordinated with the American Red Cross to help find temporary lodging for the displaced residents.
The tenant of the apartment where the fire began was treated at the scene by EMS. A cat from that apartment was rescued by firefighters and given oxygen. The animal was initially lethargic but improved and was expected to be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation.
The Greeneville Energy Authority also responded to disconnect power while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
