3/28/2008

Quick work by Chattanooga firefighters kept a kitchen fire from spreading through other parts of John Calvin Apartments early this afternoon.  A maintenance worker was actually the first to respond to the fire on the third floor at 12:21 p.m. when the building's fire alarm system activated.  The worker located the fire around the kitchen stove in one of the units, and tried to put the flames out with a portable fire extinguisher, but was unable to completely put the fire out. 

When the firefighters arrived moments later, Lieutenant Greg Murray with Quint 19 said they used portable fire extinguishers to finish off the fire.  Many of the residents in the building had evacuated.  The rest were allowed to stay in the building once it was determined that the fire was completely out.

The resident of the apartment, described as a 61-year-old female, was transported by Hamilton County EMS to a local hospital for a small burn to one hand, and for minor smoke inhalation.  Her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.  No other injuries were reported. Lieutenant Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the fire started on or around the stove and appears to be accidental in nature.  The dollar loss was estimated at around $12,000.

John Calvin Apartments is located at 364 Northgate Mall Drive, and has 95 apartment units.

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