The Knoxville Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire this afternoon in the 1300 Block of Lincoln Street.

Knoxville City Fire Department responded with one engine company, two EMS companies, one squad company and two command officers. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke throughout the house, with fire coming out the living room windows and front door. Firefighters entered the home and advanced a hose line to initiate fire attack, finding no one inside. One victim, who self-evacuated, was transported to Knoxville Hospital and later taken by air ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

The fire appeared to have started by using alternate heat sources and is currently under investigation by the Knoxville Fire Department, Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Marion County Sherriff’s Office Fire Investigator.

The Red Cross has been contacted to assist the family, as the home is a total loss. They also lost several pets that were inside at the time of the fire.

Knoxville Fire Department was assisted by: Knoxville PD, Knoxville Rural Fire Department, Indiana Township Fire Department, Marion County EMA, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Pella EMS, Mid-American, Alliant, and The State Fire Marshal’s Office.