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| Chattanooga Battles Stubborn House Fire CHATTANOOGA, TENN – Tuesday, July 22, 2008 – At about 4:19 PM, Chattanooga firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire at 1202 King Arthur Road. Due to a fierce storm in the area, many of the fire companies were outside their first due areas answering numerous alarms. Because of this, some of the apparatus responding to this call had to come from several miles away. Quint 21, Quint 8, Quint 6, Squad 3, Quint 16 and Quint 19 responded on the initial alarm. Engine 15 was special called for manpower later in the fire. Quint 21 arrived on the scene and found a two story brick residence heavily involved in fire. Firefighters initiated a quick attack and were also able to learn that no one was inside the residence. As additional companies arrived, a supply line was run from a hydrant at King Arthur Road and Panorama Drive to Quint 21. Firefighters mounted both an interior and exterior attack on the fire. The fire spread quickly throughout the house and each time firefighters would extinguish the fire in one area it would break through another. The roof collapsed into the house trapping the fire between layers of debris making it even more difficult. Firefighters spent hours making sure all the hot spots were out. Two firefighters suffered from heat related problems and one suffered a slight burn on the back of his neck. All three were treated on the scene by medics with Hamilton County EMS and released back to duty. It is possible that the fire started due to a lightning strike but investigators with the Chattanooga Fire Department are working to establish an exact cause. It appears that the fire started on the roof, possibly over the garage before spreading through the entire house. While some personal items were saved by firefighters, the house was completely destroyed. The value of the loss is estimated at about $175,000. The family was not at home when the fire broke out. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the family once they returned home. Rehab assistance was provided by the Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Squad and the Chattanooga Police were also on the scene. |
