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| East Ridge Makes Rescue in Early Morning House Fire EAST RIDGE, TENN – Just as the clock was making its move past twelve o’clock marking the start of Tuesday, January 05, 2010, the East Ridge Fire Department was alerted to a residential fire at 1407 Boyd Street which is only blocks from Fire Station 1. Commander Mike Williams was there in a matter of moments and found fire and smoke coming from a single story wood frame house. He reported possible entrapment and began an attempt to enter the structure. Commander Williams broke a window to gain access to the home and found two occupants asleep inside. Their egress from the house was blocked by fire. One of the occupants, a male was able to get himself outside. Commander Williams led the female occupant to safety. Meanwhile, Quint 1 arrived on the scene and firefighters stretched lines to make a fire attack. Their quick arrival and aggressive attack by firefighters held the fire to the garage and a storage area. The fire did not spread to the remainder of the home. Additional manpower was supplied by East Ridge Squad 2, Engine 1, Engine 2, Support 1, Rescue 1 and Fort Oglethorpe Squad 1 (automatic aid). Due to frigid temperatures in the low teens, the East Ridge Street Department responded with a sand truck to help with roadway icing. The East Ridge Police Department also assisted on the scene. The occupants of the house were taken to a waiting ambulance by medics from Lifeguard EMS who responded for assistance. They were uninjured but escaped wearing only night clothing and were kept inside the ambulance for protection from the elements. Commander Williams suffered a minor cut to his hand during the rescue but there were no other injuries as a result of the fire. Damage is estimated by Erik Hopkins, Public Information Officer, at about $20,000. Two automobiles suffered some damage during the fire. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation but no foul play is suspected. |
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