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| Two Structures, Seven Vehicles Burn in Hamilton County Fire HAMILTON COUNTY, TENN – Tuesday, March 25, 2008 – At about 11:15 AM, the Tri Community Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 8855 East Brainerd Road on a reported residential structure fire. Heavy black smoke was visible for miles. The first fire apparatus arrived within minutes to find a large home fully involved in fire. A second structure, a long garage behind the house was also totally involved as well as several vehicles. The residence sat up a long hill off the roadway making access very difficult for fire apparatus. Firefighters were forced to lay about 1600 feet of supply line from the nearest hydrant. Firefighters were forced to go into a defensive mode almost immediately upon arrival due to the size and scope of the fire. A call for mutual aid was also placed bringing assistance from the East Ridge Fire Department and also Catoosa County Fire Department, Georgia. The main structure began collapsing even before firefighters arrived. Both structures suffered total collapse very quickly. Firefighters were also forced to deal with exposure problems on the C side of the structure. Another garage sat only a few feet behind the one on fire was due to the large amount of fire, wind and the close proximity it was also catching on fire. Firefighters were able to keep it from suffering major damage. It contained hundreds of paint cans, aerosol cans and many other highly flammable items. A fourth structure, a house was also threatened but did not suffer damage. The homeowner stated that he had a fire going in the fireplace and left the residence for ten minutes. When he arrived home he found his house on fire. All of the residents escaped unharmed. The exact cause and origin of the fire are under investigation but fire officials do believe it started in the area of the fireplace. The house, garage and a total of seven vehicles were destroyed by the fire. At least two other vehicles and one watercraft were damaged as were several exposures. Numerous other items such as lawn tractors were also destroyed or damaged. Total damage is estimated at about $300,000. The homeowner is insured. He and his family will be staying with relatives for the time being. Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department backed into Tri Community Station 1 for stand by. Hamilton County EMS and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance at the scene. Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue provided rehab for firefighters. |
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