Fire destroys maintenance building/office at Corbin Manor Apartments

 A fire that destroyed the office building at Corbin Manor Apartment complex Saturday morning remains under investigation.

West Knox firefighters were called to the scene off of American Greeting Road about 5:30 a.m.

West Knox Fire Chief Daryl Baker said about half of the building, which contained the office, maintenance office and garage, was fully involved when the first units arrived on scene.

“While we were en route, we put in a call for manpower and equipment from Lily, Keavy and Laurel County fire departments,” Baker said. “When we get called to a larger structure fire, we ask for mutual aid from Lily and/or Keavy to supply us with manpower and more water. Even if we don’t end up needing it, it is better to have the call in than wait until we are on scene and decide we need them.”

Baker said Laurel County Fire and Rescue has an air truck to refill firefighters’ air tanks on scene.

“We used so many breathing apparatus at this fire that we needed to refill them,” Baker noted.

Firefighters had the flames knocked down within and hour and were on the scene until 9:42 a.m. performing salvage and overhaul to ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

Baker said the fire appears to have started in the maintenance garage area. While there is nothing to indicate arson was the cause, Baker said the state fire marshal’s office and the insurance company is both investigating.

“It is a commercial building so it is standard procedure to call the fire marshal,” Baker said.

No one was injured in the fire.

In addition to West Knox, Keavy and Lily firefighters, Baker said Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County also responded to the scene.