The old Hyatt Hotel, also formerly known as Hotel Knoxville, suffered minor smoke damage and moderate water damage early Thursday after furniture caught fire, the Knoxville Fire Department said.
A caller to Knox County 911 around 1:42 a.m. reported a couch was on fire inside the ballroom of the former Hotel Knoxville on Hill Avenue, according to KFD. When firefighters arrived, they reported heavy smoke on the ground level coming from the ballroom area. However, no flames were visible, KFD said.
Firefighters also reported the fire alarm system was activated. The firefighters made a rapid-fire attack on the ballroom area and discovered several mattresses and pieces of furniture on fire, according to KFD.