Knoxville officials hail milestone year without fire-related deaths, a first since 1990

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville fire officials are calling 2025 a major milestone: zero fire-related deaths in the city.

The Knoxville Fire Department said it’s the first time the city has reached that mark in decades, crediting a mix of education, prevention efforts and fast response.

“That’s the first time that’s happened in 36 years,” said Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks with the Knoxville Fire Department. “That’s big news for us, especially in a city the size of Knoxville.”

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Wilbanks said the department’s goal now is keeping that progress going in 2026 by continuing public education and encouraging families to stick with everyday safety habits…

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