Fire destroys Belmont home

Firefighters battle a blaze this morning at 507 Belmont. The two-story multi-famiy rental home was destroyed, although no one was hurt. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge]

A two-story multi-family rental home located at 507 Belmont Ave. was destroyed by fire this morning, with some residents forced to evacuate through windows because their path was blocked by flame.

"The people just barely made it out," said Fire Chief John Habel. Shelbyville Fire Department officials responded to a call at 6:04 a.m. The fire appeared to have started on or near the front porch, and the structure was fully involved by the time fire trucks arrived.

Fire department officials praised Shelbyville Police Department, particularly Josh Leverette, for the department's assistance in helping evacuate the residents of the home, which was reportedly owned by Kenny Floyd.

Representatives of the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross were meeting with the displaced tenants this morning.

The owner claimed the home was equipped with smoke detectors, although tenants claimed they heard no such alarm. Fire department officials said it is the responsibility of landlords to provide smoke detectors and the responsibility of tenants to maintain them. Smoke detectors are available from the fire department for those who cannot afford to purchase them.