LA VERGNE, Tenn. — The smell of smoke was heavy in the air at Jackson’s Station early Thursday as the La Vergne Fire Rescue Department evacuated the apartment complex on Old Nashville Highway.

The department was dispatched at 4:39 a.m. after an alarm pull triggered the system. Crews arrived to a strong odor and light, visible smoke in one of the apartment stairwells. A little over an hour later, residents were allowed to return to their homes.

“Pulling the alarm was the right thing to do,” said Acting Battalion Chief Donald Whitley, the on-scene commander. “It is the best thing to do when in doubt, especially in a large complex like this because it can take a while to evacuate and fire can travel fast.”

After clearing the buildings—including the attics—twice, firefighters determined the smoke did not originate in the complex. With assistance from the La Vergne Police Department, crews also checked the perimeter and surrounding neighborhood for signs of fire before allowing residents to reenter their apartments.