A second fire in one week has damaged the Department of Human Services building on West Main Street in Knoxville. At approximately 5AM this morning, the Knoxville Township Rural Fire department was called to a fire at the building. According to Knoxville Rural Fire Chief Kenny Thompson, the department was able to put out the fire relatively quickly. This follows a similar fire which was occurred last Sunday morning, December 18th. The first fire was deemed suspicious, and is still under investigation.

According to Thompson, both fires were confined to the same room, and this morning’s fire remains under investigation as well. The Marion County Sheriff’s office also responded to the call.

It is unknown how the fire will impact DHS services. In a controversial budget cutting move, many Marion County DHS services were moved to the Indianola office last year. That office burned to the ground December 4. KNIA/KRLS News will bring you more information as soon as it becomes official.