04-01-3013 Child Perishes in Morning House Fire

The fire broke out shortly before 10:00 a.m., with several neighbors calling 911 Communications. Details are still being obtained, but here is what we have so far.

Two patrol officers with the Chattanooga Police Department were the first on the scene. They were told by people in the front yard that two babies were inside the burning home. Both officers tried desperately several times to get into the house, but were forced back by the intense heat and black smoke.

Chattanooga firefighters were the next to arrive on the scene. Hearing that children were still inside, Captain Dean Rogers with Ladder 5 and Senior Firefighter Kyle Duggan with Engine 5, wearing full protective gear, decided to go in to search for victims at the rear of the house. Their way was blocked by security bars, but they managed to squeeze by some damaged bars to get inside. Using thermal imaging cameras, the two firefighters searched for the victims. Captain Rogers said it was so hot in the house that the cameras weren't much use. Feeling his way around in virtually zero visibility, Captain Rogers found one the children and carried him out of the house. Captain Rogers then went back inside and a short time later, found a second child.

One child was pronounced dead on the scene. The other child, suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, was transported to Children's Hospital at Erlanger by Hamilton County EMS. Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the child was then airlifted by Life Force air medical to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia. The child was listed in critical condition.

The mother of the two children was transported by Hamilton County EMS to Erlanger Medical Center. She reportedly tried to get to her two children, but was unsuccessful, and received some burns and smoke inhalation in the process. Her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening and she was expected to be treated and released from the hospital today.

The fire was brought under control in roughly 15 minutes, but there was substantial damage to the house. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Chattanooga Police Department's Major Crimes Division is also investigating the incident, which is standard protocol when fatalities are involved.

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