3/10/2009

Chattanooga fire officials are investigating an apparent fire fatality in the Alton Park community.  The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. Monday at 5225 Central Avenue.  Battalion Chief Bob Dixon said Chattanooga police were the first to arrive on the scene.  When the officers learned that someone might still be inside the structure, they tried to get in but were kept out by a metal security door. 

Chattanooga firefighters arrived moments later and used their forcible entry tools to get inside.  As they worked to get the fire out, other firefighters found a fire victim on the floor.  The victim, described as a 34-year-old man, was pronounced dead on the scene. 

Fire investigators are on the scene, trying to determine what started the blaze.  The victim lived in a small apartment attached to one side of the house.  The fire was contained to the apartment, and the house is believed to be unoccupied.  The victim was expected to be transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office, where the exact cause of death will be confirmed. 

The Chattanooga Police Department's Major Crimes Division is also investigating the blaze, which is standard procedure when fire fatalities are involved.  Hamilton County EMS and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue also provided assistance on the scene.

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