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| East Ridge House Goes Up in Flames EAST RIDGE, TENN – Just before 1:30 AM, Wednesday, August 26, 2009, the East Ridge Fire Department received a call of a residential structure fire at 1509 Waterhouse Street. As firefighters raced to the scene they could see a smoke column and large glow in the night sky. Commander Billy Quintrell, Battalion 1, arrived on the scene and confirmed a working house fire. He found a single story, wood frame dwelling heavily involved. He immediately asked for a second set of tones for a working fire which led to an “all call” for off duty personnel and a call for Fort Oglethorpe (GA) Fire and Rescue for automatic aid. Commander Quintrell determined that the house was vacant and immediately ordered a defensive attack. Quint 1 arrived and pulled an inch and three quarter line to the front. Squad 2 arrived and laid supply line from the closest hydrant to Quint 1 and then pulled a second attack line. As more personnel arrived, they immediately were placed into service and firefighter were able to quickly gain the upper hand, but not before the building was consumed by the fire. The structure is considered a total loss. Commander Mike Williams, the East Ridge Fire Department Arson Investigator is conducting an investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. No cause has yet been determined and the investigation will continue in the daylight hours. The fire is considered suspicious in nature at this point. Responding apparatus included Quint 1, Squad 2, Engine 1, Engine 2, Rescue 1, Rescue 2 and Support 1. Fort Oglethorpe Engine 1 and Fort Oglethorpe Battalion Chief Gary McGhee (908) responded for automatic aid. An ambulance crew from Memorial EMS, whose quarters is two doors away, responded for stand by. East Ridge Police were also on the scene. There were no injuries as a result of the fire. A dollar loss has not yet been placed on the loss. |
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