A fire in the backyard of a house on the corner of Jefferson and South Streets in Knoxville caused minor damage Thursday evening. Knoxville Fire Chief Mike Roberts says the fire occurred away from the house. No one was home at the time of the fire. Roberts gives credit to Larry and Lisa Van Baale, who spotted the fire. Larry is a former Des Moines firefighter, and Roberts says he had knocked the fire down to where it was just smoldering when crews arrived on scene. Roberts says the fire is still under investigation. The Knoxville Police Department also responded to the scene. KNIA/KRLS will let you know more as soon as it becomes official.