5/5/2009

An afternoon fire in a duplex off Highway 58 has left two families temporarily homeless.  Chattanooga firefighters received the alarm at 2:00 p.m. today and responded to 4225 3rd Avenue with four fire companies. 

Battalion Chief Ben Biggs said the fire appears to have started in a bathroom closet in the A-side of building.  The flames had managed to penetrate into the kitchen of the adjacent apartment unit before the firefighters could get the blaze under control.  No one was reportedly home and no injuries were reported.  The firefighters did find a pet dog inside and carried it out to anxious family members.  The dog appeared to be uninjured. 

Though there was some fire damage to the building, Chief Biggs said most of the belongings for both families were saved.  The dollar loss was estimated at around $25,000.  Each side of the duplex was occupied by two adults and four children.  Volunteers with the American Red Cross were called in to provide assistance to the two families, including a temporary place to stay.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

###