01-13-15 Fire Leaves East Lake Family Homeless

Upon arrival, smoke and flames were shooting out some windows and the attic.

As additional fire companies arrived on the scene, Captain Schroyer said his firefighters made an interior attack on the fire and were able to get the fire under control in roughly 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.

The firefighters also conducted a primary search for victims, and then a secondary search. No one was found inside. Charita Morgan told firefighters that she and her husband Demetric were at work, and their three children were at school.

Though the fire was brought under control fairly quickly, Captain Schroyer said the fire caused substantial damage to the house and its contents. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the family.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS also provided valuable assistance on the scene.